I woke up this morning to the sound of my parents’ voices from outside the door of the guest bedroom/home office, where I was sleeping on a sofabed. “Where could she be? Do you think she is out running, or is she still asleep?” It was 9:30 AM, and I didn’t want to get up nor did I want to go for a run. I lay there and flicked through the possible enticements of the morning: run? no. breakfast? no. shower? no. coffee? mmmm okay. I scuffed around the house for about an hour before my dad tricked me into going for a run. I tried to put it off but he blithely hinted that we weren’t leaving to meet Mom at Nana’s for the Big Meal until I got my run in. He was so sly I didn’t even realize I’d been told what to do until I was 4 miles into it. It was cold enough for a running jacket and gloves, but warm enough for shorts and no hat. My one-woman turkey trot took me past the neighborhood park where a bunch of guys were playing touch football. A lot of folks were out packing their cars for a long drive, or raking their yards. One guy was putting up siding on his house with a few buddies. No other runners, though. 4.46 miles in 42:41. Average pace 9:34; fastest mile 9:14; slowest mile 9:56.
Historically, I have been known for my abiding grinchiness. I thought for sure this year I would be even grumpier and glummer than usual; if anything for the first time ever I have an actual good reason to be mopey and jaded. Today though the universe had other plans in mind: I was relaxed; I enjoyed my family, the simple food, and the gentle conversation. It was a really great day, even though it was low-key. I might even be willing to give Christmas a chance–but I promise nothing.
On Wednesday I cleaned my office out a little bit, and found these visuals in the bottom of a drawer. They struck me as appropriate for this particular Thanksgiving, in a wry sort of way. Without further ado, I share them with you.
I AM THANKFUL FOR GOOD ADVICE
I AM THANKFUL FOR THE ABILITY TO LAUGH AT MYSELF
I AM THANKFUL FOR THE POWER OF ASKING
I AM THANKFUL I AM NOT THE BRUNETTE IN THIS COMIC
"You'd hate me if I dressed like that."
Pigtails Flying 
I had a similar run experience today. Had a bit of surprise crappiness to the start of my day and decided since I still don’t have the all clear to run I would go for a walk, that way if I had to cry, I wouldn’t ruin everybody else’s day. Instead, I enjoyed my walk and felt great coming back in afterwards. Glad yours turned out well too. Enjoy the weekend.
Love the visual stuff. I am very visual, as long as it is simple visual imagery.
I’m so very happy to read about your Thanksgiving 🙂 I’m glad you had a good day! Now let’s work on bringing that smile out for Christmas!
Nice work from your dad. No thanksgiving down here, so the Turkey and all that jazz happens at Christmas. Got to say, I’m a little grinchy in December, it being our busiest month — working flat to the boards while friends are backing off and partying.
I wouldn’t hate her if she dressed like that… as long as she didn’t smoke!
you are officially invited to be with us for Christmas. go ahead and try to be a grinch around a 2 and 4 year old. kidding. we’d love to have you, dear sister.
Things will pick up. They always do. Glad to hear that you got out for a nice Thanksgiving run.