Early Thanksgiving Wishes

There are many things that I look forward to throughout the year. Summer, birthdays, trips to Dallas for various holidays, seeing friends, and so on. Yet, nothing in my year compares to my Thanksgiving anticipation and excitement!

There’s a few things that distinguish this day from the rest of the year – my family’s participation in the Turkey Trot, the special group of friends and family who have come to our house in past years, the schmoregesboard of food that my mother lovingly prepares (with special gluten-free varieties just for me!!), fall football in the yard, the feeling of warmth and delicious smells that permeate my house in the days and hours leading up to the big meal, and the opportunity to reflect on what I’m thankful for, and what my family is thankful for.

We normally have some of my mom’s family in town from Pittsburgh, and last year it seemed odd not to have my grandmother and great aunt (together, they are the Q-Tips) present at our table. This year, the holiday will have a different feel. It’s the first holiday of the season that we will celebrate without my grandmother, who passed away in February. Most of my Pittsburgh family (minus a small group) flew down for the holiday as well so that we can all celebrate together. We always have a great time when we are together, and I know that my mom is excited to host everyone. I know that we will be thinking of my grandmother as we laugh, tell stories, and enjoy the holiday week end together. It will be wonderful to see everyone again after 8 months.

I’m thankful for my family, among many, many other things, and glad that we will all be together tomorrow on Thanksgiving!

I’m off to a party with a bunch of Dallas friends and then it’s early to bed for this one. I have to get my rest before tomorrow – race day is here. Despite a cold, I’m ready to run trot in the 2009 Turkey Trot! I’m still hoping to complete the 8 miles in under 2 hours but am not sure that my sniffles will allow to me run the way I had originally hoped to. I’m sure it’ll be great and I know that I’ll feel soooooo much better at dinner tomorrow having completed the race.

Good night and an early Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this year?

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions and memories? Favorite parts of the holiday?