In the spirit of the season...

I asked myself this question today...is a quarter marathon something to be proud of??? I quickly found my answer. For me....absolutely!!! This morning, I ran a quarter marathon with 8 friends from school to train for our 1/2 marathon in May, but more importantly to raise money for the relief effort in the Philippines.

I'll be honest, I wasn't very excited to run this morning. I just wanted to sleep in and be lazy with my coffee on my couch. But as soon as I got to the school where we were meeting, I saw my new friends gathered together, supporting and encouraging each other to earn money for those in need...and at the risk of sounding really cheesy, it totally warmed my heart. I am thankful for new challenges and friends that support you and encourage you in these challenges.

During the run, something that I just couldn't get over, were the many many Chinese people that not only watched us as we ran by them in the park, but they waved, nodded, smiled, honked their horns, gave us a thumbs up, and one older lady started running with us up and down a set of stairs. It was so awesome! I felt welcomed and in a way...very much at home. I'm thankful for opportunities to meet new people, learn new cultures and see good in others...all around the world.

After the run I came home, showered and prepared my food for our Thanksgiving Dinner. About 3:00 I made it to the dinner, got some wine and chatted with friends. The food was absolutely amazing! I tried things I've been avoiding at home for years and years and guess what???? I liked all of them! I'm thankful for finally growing up! I'm thankful for the fact that I never have to be stuck in one place...I always have the opportunity to change and grow as a person.

Sitting around the room full of people from all different walks of life, different countries, different perspectives was truly amazing. I am thankful for opportunities that open my eyes to different opinions, beliefs and ways of thinking. These opportunities make me a better person.

And in exactly 4 weeks, I get to fly to Portland and spend the holidays with the most amazing family I could ever imagine. I am unbelievably thankful for a loving, supportive family to come home to.

Happy Thanksgiving :)