It’s amazing how fast the weeks tick by — I’m always shocked when it is Thursday again. Thursdays rule, because I get to think up all the things I have to be thankful for. (And I hope you do, too.)
Let’s get down to business.
I’m thankful for Team Challenge Illinois. When people ask about why I love Team Challenge so much, I tell them it’s about 75% support group, 25% half marathon training group. I have met people who I know will be friends for a long, long time to come. It is amazing to be around people who are not only nice about my ulcerative colitis, they actually get it. If I need to sprint away for an emergency potty break mid-run? Totally acceptable. Scrutinizing the menu before choosing a restaurant? Expected. It’s not that any of my other friends make me feel bad for these things, it’s just that it’s really nice to know that people really get it. And it’s amazing how good it feels to spout of medical terms and medication names without anyone batting an eyelash. I love my teammates.
Teammates!
I’m thankful for Ali Feller. You may know her as Ali on the Run or the Ali who started the very Thankful Things Thursday tradition that I’m partaking in right now. Or maybe you know her as that girl who raised over $20,000 for CCFA and is up for a SHAPE Best Blogger award. (Why yes, you can use that link to go vote for her, thank you for asking.) I am happy to have stumbled upon her blog. (I don’t even remember how I found it at this point!) Like my teammates, Ali is someone I could relate to instantly because of tummy troubles. Yes, we relate about other things now. But reading her honest posts makes me feel less alone.
This is Ali. She just ran a marathon. She's about to kick her Crohn's in the face (again). And then she's going to own the Las Vegas Half Marathon. (P.S. Yep. I'm a creeper and stole this photo from Facebook. You're welcome, Ali.)
On that note, I’m also thankful for Kace, Teresa, and Tim.
I’m thankful that I adore my gastroenterologist. I’ve adored my GI doctor from the moment I met him. It wasn’t until recently that I started to realize just how important (and rare) that is. When I read Ali’s post about her miserable doctor’s appointment yesterday, I was filled with relief that Dr. Atia is so incredible. He squeezes me in when I really need an appointment. He listens to me. Most of all, he treats me as a whole person with priorities and values. He respects the things I love and does his best to make sure I can keep doing them. What’s not to love?
Huh. That was a lot of ulcerative colitis-related thankful things in a row. Anyway.
I’m thankful for some really nice bloggers and friends who gave me lots of love this week. I was filled with warm fuzzies on Sunday when Tina featured my blog as one she loves on Faith, Fitness, Fun’s weekly features. It was a complete surprise and I felt all happy and loved with the nice things she said. Then Alyssa at Don’t Look Down went and did this, and it was warm fuzzies all over again. And then yesterday I read Pace of Chicago. Immediately upon reading, I let David know that he always does a fabulous job of making me sound better than I actually am.
I am overwhelmed with love and support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my wonderful blog friends for your support. You rock.
I’m thankful for girls’ weekend. One week from today (or maybe one week from tomorrow), I will be reunited with two of my loves for some much-needed girl time. I’d say, “I can’t wait,” but that’s an understatement. I have been looking forward to this weekend like crazy. I know it will be full of giggles, bonding, soul-searching, and laughter. Lots of all.
Love these girls. To pieces.
I’m thankful for the ceiling fan in my bedroom. I could not sleep without that thing. Seriously.
I’m thankful for the generous companies who donated to my raffle. Everyday Endurance, Allied Medal Displays, Go Sport ID, Balancing Act Clothing, and Active Bands, you rock. Period. Thank you.
I’m thankful for the Allstate Mayhem commercials. We don’t even have Allstate. But those damn commercials make me so happy!
I’m thankful for Parenthood. I think I’ve already been thankful for this show more than once, but I just love it. I cry at nearly every episode and not-so-secretly wish I was a Braverman.
Your turn. What are you thankful for this week?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
OK friend, too much niceness. You’re going to give me a big ego. Seriously though, you are so kind and I’m so glad I’ve gotten to “know” you over the past few months. Thank you for all of your help and support and thoughtfulness. And SEE YOU IN VEGAS!
Also, yes. Yes, yes, yes on the Allstate commercials. Fantastic.
Ali recently posted..A Super Fun Time With My Doctor
No such thing as too much niceness. In all honesty, I am such a verbal person that sometimes I think I scare away blog friends because I’m all “OMG WE’VE NEVER MET BUT YOU ARE SO AWESOME AND WE ARE FRIENDS!” I’m glad you have not run screaming in the other direction after my public declaration of love for you. This is a good sign. (And SEE YOU IN VEGAS! Hooray!)
[...] Eventually, I headed home to spend a little time with Goose. (You know, since I’ll be galavanting with my gal pals this weekend.) [...]
[...] of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation was looking for a Team Challenge Manager. Yes, the same Team Challenge that I’m pretty much obsessed [...]