The toss up...

Today was a bit of a toss up; I probably SHOULD'VE stayed home and thoroughly cleaned or walked the dogs or at least just stayed home so they could run around in the backyard. However, after 6 hours of sleep (thanks to daylight savings time AND two pups who have no idea of the concept) I decided...since a nap was not in my future (again, thanks to pups I affectionately call gremlins) I decided today was going to be MY day.

I set out at 10:30 (so the pups DID get a full 4 hours of running rampant and exercising the demons). I set out with an errand or two to run and didn't know what time stores opened and quite frankly...didn't care. The day was beautiful..the sun was shining and the sky was a piercing bright blue. I thought - I may sit in the parking lot of a store waiting for it to open listening to my new Lady Antebellum CD or perhaps I'll treat myself to a 'luxury' coffee?! So I went about my morning with this slight grin on my face..not rushing about...not feeling anxious...and most of all not feeling GUILTY. I wasn't about to allow myself to feel guilty today.

Eventually, I met friends for lunch at a perfect outdoor dining spot for quite the perfect outdoor dining kind of day. It turns out, the service was SUPER slow, but again...no worries from this chica. I had several choices today that WERE presenting a dilemma before today actually arrived. I was supposed to take Kenda to her last training class OR attend my 'pre-bootcamp' class. As it turns out, and I didn't quite plan it but wouldn't CHANGE it for anything, I missed both options and went with the impromptu lunch planned by friends. It felt fabulous and spontaneous. It felt good and not guilty. I should try the GOOD feeling over GUILT more often. :) Thank you friends.

Thankful, grateful, and ALMOST full...

I always think of how grateful I am for my friends and family. However, the last few days - the thought has been more prominent. It's probably because the last two weeks have been noticeably harder than most and I haven't felt like my normal glass half-full self. It's my friends and family who CONSISTENTLY remind me, whether they know it or not, that my glass is most definitely half-full and most of the time..overflowing.

Whether it's the 45 minute to hour long conversations mom and I have most nights or the sounding board chats my new friend Jessica and I have. As always, my staple and most resilient friend and new mom, Bethany, is a lifesaver for the times we've bent each others ear. Cathy, your spunk and endless energy are always inspiring whether you realize it or not. Ang, I love our consistent email exchanges and I love to know you're so happy. Amber, it was awesome to catch up with you recently and so wonderful to connect. Ali, as I said to Amber, your glow and happiness are contagious. I love being in the same room. Monica, your support, your endless ear, your enthusiasm and your example of what true love looks like has been priceless. Amanda D., your unique jewels have ignited an energy in me to want to explore more of who ME really is. Amanda H., your bravery in facing new cities, states, jobs, and life experiences constantly reassures me. Barrie, you planning this trip to Key West and welcoming me with open arms (as you have from the beginning) makes me feel like a movie star, Lindsay Hardage, your daily friendship and compassion allows me to feel so comfortable. Liz W., your inability to say "no" means I ALWAYS have a lunch date, dinner date, and/or shopping pal; that's AWESOME! Tracy W., I called you my best friend that night of the WINE....and well, I can't believe how close we've become. I feel like I could call you for anything and that is what friendship is truly all about. After all, you did just agree to spread mulch in my yard after me just asking to borrow your SUV :)

The list of friends goes on and on, gals and guys. I was just listing those top of mind in perhaps...the last weekend. The point being...if I didn't have you..if each of you didn't offer me something different, unique, and special...none of the strength and confidence and overall HAPPINESS I feel would be the same.

I'm so thankful for each and every one you and I really like telling you. I also like smiling. It feels SOOO good.