Things! GREAT things.

Regardless of the many ups and downs of life, there are many MANY things that I'm thankful for. And when times get tough, I try to keep 'stuff' in perspective as much as possible. I do the sport because I love it, I think the people are really great, and the lifelong lessons I've learned about myself and, err, life in general are truly spectacular.

So when times get tough, when the legs feel awful and the heart isn't 100% into it, or when I'm just plain tired I remember the good things.

The GREAT things.

Like.....

-Foggy mornings and calm ocean waters

- Watching the sunset, bright colors spreading across the sky

- Snuggling in a warm, comfy bed with a great hubby (and sometimes a random kitty who wants to be fed)

- A bike seat that I LOVE (thank you ISM Adamo Saddle!!!)

- Fantastic friends...there are too many to thank.

- Having the ability to do something that I love. Correction: the ability to do MANY things that I love.

- Sunday Football, and all the fun that goes with it.

- A quirky sense of humor - hey, its kept me (mostly) sane.

- British Comedy. The ONLY problem with "Fawlty Towers", is the lack of episodes. Only 12 were ever made. And for the BEST comedy series of all time, I find this unacceptable. But I still LOVE the show. Brilliant!

- Alba cocoa butter hand and body lotion. Sure, it makes me crave a Pina Colada, but it also makes me feel nice. So there.

- I have a roof over my head, people who love me, air to breathe, and...all that good stuff (as both my Dad and now husband tell me when I get a little overly stressed).

- Dude - I'm going to Hawaii in a little over a week. Sure - there's a race involved. But seriously - I'm going to Hawaii!

- Pink compression socks.

- Toothpaste - because I like my teeth. In my mouth.

- Meeting Soren Trowbridge for the first time a few weeks ago. There is nothing like a newborn baby. He was absolutely adorable. And while I'm not quit ready for one of my own (YET), he gives me a very convincing reason to want a little one of my own. Congratulations again to Dave and Meredith!

- Survivor! And while we're at it: The Amazing Race!

- Grocery store items with the expiration date AFTER IM Hawaii. It is always nice to know that life continues after this race. And to see it in print just adds another dimension.

- Baked goods!

- Deck chairs, surrounded by flowers, with a good book waiting.

- Knowing that there are good people in the world, who do wonderful things. Getting to SEE that is even better.

- Tabbitha's vet, who told her, "Tabbitha - you're a new woman!" after she lost a little bit of weight and got rid of her fleas.

- Succulents. Because they're really neat feeling and Nathaniel has an odd fascination with them. Plus - the word 'succulent'.

- A wonderful family.

I feel TRULY lucky. And extremely fortunate to be able to participate in a sport I love so much. A little over a year ago, I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to, let alone be able to. So even if it means a few tough workouts here or there, a bit of tiredness, and the same dinner repeated over and over again (because I lack creativity in the mean planning department when I'm trashed from training), life is really pretty good.
A very relaxed Tabbitha. Can't you tell she's lost a little bit of weight?? Yes!?!