Thankful Things Thursday: On Good Friends, Ballet Class, and Sweatpants

Woohoo! It’s Thursday. And after yesterday’s kind of cranky post, I think it’s time to perk things up around here. Perfect timing for a day of thankfulness, don’t you think?

Glad you agree. Let’s get to it.

I’m thankful for the incredible job I had for the last year and a half. For each and every day I spent as a nanny, I woke up excited to see “my” boys and spend the day with them. I feel so fortunate to have two incredible little boys in my life, and their parents were nothing short of wonderful to work for. I’m looking forward to my new job, and the challenges and excitement it will bring me professionally, but I’m also oh-so-grateful for the job I’m leaving behind. It is scary to leave something that makes me so happy, and I’m taking a big leap! I know it’s a leap in the right direction. Still, I’ll miss my little ones and I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with them.

I’m thankful for friends. Oh, I know. I say this one pretty often. But really, I’m a ridiculously lucky girl. I’m so grateful to have friends I can lean on, who always have my back. They add an abundance of love, laughter, and happiness into my life.

I’m thankful for running in the snow. Sure, it’s nice to run in warm weather, but there’s something wonderful about the crunch of snow under your feet on a run. I was a little bit of a lazy slug for a while after Las Vegas, but I’m back in gear this week, getting ready for my 2012 race season. I’ve got a 10k coming up soon, and I’m thinking it’d be nice if the first race of 2012 was  PR.  My current best? 1:12:37, an 11:41 pace. I think I can smash it. I intend to. Here’s hoping there’s some freshly fallen snow for race day!

I’m thankful for 30 Rock. It’s back — finally! I am so happy to have Liz Lemon back in my life. I’d like to be her when I grow up, please.

I’m thankful for new adventures in food. Teriyaki chicken? Why yes, I did try that this week. And I liked it! I’m excited to add new things to the list of things I’ll eat, even though I don’t plan on giving up my peanut butter sandwiches, chicken breasts, and pasta any time soon.

I’m thankful for Pinterest, Goodreads, and Facebook. My favorite ways to waste time on the internet. Oh yes.

Is this true for internet time-sucks?

I’m thankful for mushrooms. They might be the most delicious food ever. Sauteed, on pizza, breaded. Yum.

I’m thankful for ballet. Because you’re never too old to try something new, even if it is just for fun. I can’t wait for ballet class this weekend! My little feet are itching to get back in my ballet slippers. (And yes, I’ve been dancing around the house all week, practicing my skills. Is it weird that I already want to install a ballet bar in my house?)

Tiny ballerina Lauren hangs out with her awesome brother Batman. Heck yes. Think I could wear this tutu to class on Saturday? Would that be too much?

I’m thankful for sweatpants. Today is my last day of sweatpants at work, but I’m certain I’ll change into them immediately after work from now on. There’s nothing better than comfy clothes. Nothing.

I’m thankful for The Container Store.

I’m thankful for broccoli.

I’m thankful for peanut butter.

I’m thankful for my warm winter coat. Because it’s finally winter!

Lay it on me. What things are you thankful for this week?