Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday, friends! Anyone else done with these ridiculous temperatures? I realize that it's January, but seriously...single digits? With wind chills below 0? I'm a little over that, especially since I'm wearing a ridiculous amount of layers in my apartment each night (including a hat), and I haven't been able to run since Monday (read: Caitlin is cranky and needs to stretch her legs). That will hopefully change as soon as I post this, since I'm determined to attempt to brave the cold this morning (the wind chill is supposed to be back in the single digits) and hopefully get in a six miler. Fingers crossed, friends, fingers crossed. I might go a little stir crazy if I can't, but perhaps focusing on what I'm thankful for this week will help me stay in a positive mindset. Thank you, Jessie, for giving me the chance to do so :)

...yoga. I went to my first class on Tuesday night, and it was absolutely wonderful. I had asked a good friend from high school if she wanted to check out Yoga Hive with me, and she was happy to do so. She had been to a few classes at this studio but never the one we attended on Tuesday, which was a stretch session geared toward runners and cyclists. I don't think I've ever stretched so well in my life or had more trouble sitting, getting up, and walking up and down stairs yesterday...totally worth it. When can I go back? Hopefully next week...I'd love to try a vinyasa class and hit the stretch session some more. I would never have thought those words would come out of my mouth. Funny how things change as you get older and leave yourself more open to new experiences.

...new opportunities. I can't remember the last time I woke up excited to go to work, but that's how I've felt every day for the past two weeks. It doesn't matter how much sleep I got, how sick I feel, or how crappy my run was...I'm always ready to head out the door and spend the day with Peanut. He's such a special little guy and makes me feel better about anything. The fact that he smiles when he sees me/hears my voice now is pretty priceless, too (oh, and we did a music experiment yesterday, where we ran through some of my running playlist to see what his musical tastes currently are...he is NOT a fan of Justin Beiber but he went crazy for Train's "Drive By" and Usher's "Scream"...full on baby back dancing and laughing...cracked me up). And in other exciting news, Tribesports has taken me on as an ambassador, which made Monday a very exciting day (besides the fact that Peanut, Big Kid, and I survived). I love the challenges and workouts that Tribesports puts out, so I am very much looking forward to working with them and sharing their circuits and challenges with you.

...friends who let me come and play for a weekend. I realized earlier in the week that I haven't left Western PA since right before the 4th of July, which makes a little trip long overdue. The fact that I get to hang out with some pretty amazing ladies is icing on the cake.

...a family who checks in every day. Even if we don't talk on the phone, my mum still texts and asks how I'm doing and how the day was. Always a nice reminder that you're loved and supported.

...finding contentment for the present. While I wish Joe was home with everything I have, I know that the next 43 days will pass quickly, and I don't know that I've ever felt this content with life. I feel very peaceful about where I am right now. I'm trying new things, having fun, figuring out what I want and like, and doing my best to stay in the moment. It just feels nice to be happy and not waiting for something to happen or change.

...hot tea. It's been my saving grace for the past few days (well that and a snuggly Peanut...he keeps me warm too) of ridiculousness known as winter in the burgh.

...hockey. It might sound ridiculous, but it's true. It's nice to wake up and know that there's a game to enjoy at the end of the day and have something new to watch with friends. Plus, the Pens are awesome, so I'd be crazy not to be thankful for them (and the Stanley Cup they are bringing home in June).

...new friends and connections. I love finding new blogs to follow and getting to know different bloggers. It's been one of my favorite things about joining this community, and I look forward to more opportunities to do so.

...only 43 days till Joe is home. It's coming, and yes I'm trying to book the month of February to make it go faster, so if you'd like to assist me in this venture and do something fun, let me know. I'll be your best friend and make you any baked good you want.

Have a terrific Thursday!

When's the last time you took a little vacation? Have you tried any new yoga classes or exercise classes recently? How are you staying warm? I'm running out of tea and not going to the store until it reaches double digits with the wind chill...I need new ideas.