Hey there blog family.
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes for Duncan. He had a stellar birthday and Christmas. Lots of homemade cookie gifts from friends and more toys.
Speaking of cookies….I’m still emerging from my holiday cookie coma. I’m really lucky that I have great baking friends and family but man, it’s going to be hard to break this new 10-cookie a day habit.
So Christmas came and went just like that. I got a quick run in on the morning of Christmas eve before heading upstate to my friend Susan’s.
Short sleeves on Christmas eve because it was 70 degrees out!
We had a nice low-key holiday dinner….just Susan, her hubby and me, along with Duncan and Susan’s pup Lucy.
Lucy having a post-meal nap
Duncan enjoying a pre-recorded U2 concert on TV.
I spent Christmas Day with Mr. SOTSS. First we exchanged gifts and then we went to spend the day with his family. Again, another nice, low-key day.
Chester ready to play with his new toy.
Duncan opening his gift
Since I wasn’t coming home until after the holidays, I packed my car with all.the.gifts
I got practical gifts like new non-stick pans and a garage door opener (with free installation! Thank you sweetie!)
Seriously, I had been wanting this since I bought my house 15 years ago. And he already installed it. Best gift ever! =)
Unexpected gifts like a Roosport pouch and peppermint patties from Jane came in the mail.
York Peppermint Patties are my favorite!
I’ll be trying out the Roosport soon and post a little review. It’s got a magnet and is supposed to be able to tuck into your waistband when running instead of an entire running belt.
And touching gifts, too. Mr SOTSS’ cousin was reading a book to her 4-year old when she realized there was something in the book that reminded her of me. I’m guessing it’s the running. Anyway, I was touched with the sweet sentiments she inscribed in the book. And yes, sometimes I feel like my life these days feels just like a fairy tale.
My castle was my grief. And yes, running helped me break free from some dark days
I got some of my favorite beverage related gifts—A Starbucks gift card and a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon. I take hydration very seriously.
hydration
And there was a romantic gift too. Mr. SOTSS got us a bed & breakfast/ski trip weekend in Vermont for next month. We had a similar trip last year. That’s when I fell off the snowmobile.
I also bought myself a Christmas gift. A new iPhone. I’m trying to wrap my head around how it will be to run with this thing. It’s huge!
from 5s to 6s
But I know very well that the best gifts of 2015 aren’t things. They are memories made with the special people in our life and I’m so grateful for my friends and family and Mr. SOTSS and his family too…and I look forward to 2016 to keep on giving and receiving treasured moments with them all. We’ll always have “small stuff” situations to deal with, but if we choose to focus on the good stuff that can, and WILL happen, then we can tame the anxiety beast and keep on living with gratitude and a smile. Speaking of gratitude, just wanted to thank you all for coming to read my little blog. It means a lot.
On the day after Christmas, Duncan and i walked around the neighborhood and then I ran around Mr. SOTSS’ neighborhood while he worked on his bathroom. And I ate more cookies!
I run. I eat cookies. Therefore I am.
Burning off the cookies—Both of us!
On Sunday, I met my friend Lisa in the city for a little NYC holiday running.
Elf runner 2
Elf runner 1
We usually run with our running group for our annual holidays lights/windows run but this year we both missed it. Lisa had a 15-16 mile run planned and we coordinated that we’d meet in the city when she was at about mile 9 which was right near Central Park and we ran her last 6ish miles together while hitting up the must-see NYC holiday spots including the tree at Rockafeller Center, Bryant Park and some amazing department store windows. It was nice to catch up a bit.
The Barney’s windows had real ice sculptures
The Bloomberg tree
Bryant Park
Another Barney’s ice sculpture
Rockafeller tree
Rockafeller Center
A behind-the-scenes of my selfie action
St Patricks Cathedral
Yesterday and today I have been working from home. And I’ll admit it…I ate more cookies!
This is how Duncan works when I’m working from home
How were your holidays? Give any great gifts? Get any great gifts? Eat too many cookies?
Wasn’t the weather crazy last week? I wore shorts and a t-shirt all day on Christmas Eve, walked 3 miles on Christmas morning, went hiking on the 26th and another 3 mile walk on the 27th. Today it’s freezing rain and yucky. Maybe winter has decided to join us.
It finally arrived here! 22 degrees today =)
I am curious about the Roo sport. I also like your gift to yourself. I need a new Iphone too. Looks like you were able to get in some good run
I’m trying to hold off on a new phone until they stop making them so large! I’m sure I would get used to it, but I hate bringing my phone on a run as it is – I can’t imagine if it were even bigger!
I love all the decorations in the city! We didn’t make it down there this year. My first time visiting NY was during the holidays so I love seeing all the lights everywhere.
how sweet of your guy to buy and install that garage door opener for you now that is an awesome practical gift. seems like chill low key Christmases were the thing this year, which is nice. i love having quiet time with the family and not rushing around like a crazy person. your dog smudges himself just like my little one does. its so funny how some dogs just want to be in constant contact with their person 🙂
Way. Too. Many. Cookies! Oh my, i keep eating them, even ones I don’t like!
Love your photos, as always. That Duncan is too darn cute! Happy New Year!
It’s so great to hear about your Christmas. So glad you’re in a good place. Dealing with the ‘small stuff’ and focusing and getting joy from the big (important) stuff is such a good reminder. Thanks for the NYC pics. I didn’t make it there this year but LOVE the city at Christmas time so thank you!!
I love the pictures of the dogs opening gifts. Also, I think it’s great to treat yourself to a Christmas gift as well!