I do love the Christmas Season, but I have to admit this year is tough. It started over Thanksgiving weekend; that first real Holiday without my parents. The whole weekend was filled with a bit of sadness as I put up the Christmas tree and just did a lot of thinking about my parents. It's just hard. I went shopping with a girlfriend this weekend - she was shopping for her Mom and I just couldn't help but keep thinking that I didn't have a Mom or a Dad to shop for. I know the days surrounding Christmas are going to be really hard. I just miss them every single day.
I don't mean to start on a sad note, but this blog has always been about honesty and that's kind of where I am right now. It's just really hard getting through this first year and these first holidays.
In other news, I am trying to remember all the things I am so grateful for. Yes, it's been a tough year, but in so many other ways I am so blessed. We have 3 beautiful grand children who will be a blast on Christmas Day! Jim & I both have great jobs that we love (well most of the time) and I am surrounded by many other wonderful family and friends. And of course there's Jack too. You know how much I love that dog!!
Today is Jim's Birthday! He is never a big "it's my Birthday" kind of guy. So it's nice that for once we have plans. It's just kind of the way it worked out. We will be spending the evening on the Kansas City Plaza doing limo tour of the Plaza lights with the kids and grand kids. We did this last year and it was a blast. It just happened that tonight was the best night for everyone to get together. I know we are all looking forward to it.
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| Quite possibly the most epic race photo ever |
Jim and I did a Santa Dash 5K a few weeks ago with some friends. It was fun. You have to love seeing 2000 people dressed as Santa. There is just something awesome about it! We did a team and our team name was the Christmas Sweat-ers....get it??? Sweat---ers...because we were sweating lol. Everyone actually ran together which was fun, but also a little stressful for me. It's a pretty hilly course and I'm still just not up to my normal slow speeds...so it was a bit of a challenge. Everyone else was just running slow and having a blast, while I felt like I was in a full sprint to keep up with everyone the entire time. Oh well, it was still a blast!
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I'm also hosting an Instagram Giveaway on well of course Instagram. Find me at @slowtrigirl or click the link at the top of my blog. All you have to do is post one of your favorite cycling pictures and tag it #cyclingstateofmind and #slowtrigirl to win a fun Sports Chalet Bike Bell.
Well that's about all for now! How is everyone else doing? Shopping all done???
I'm so sorry you are struggling through these holidays but it is understandable that would be very hard. Sounds like you do have a lot to be grateful for and reminding yourself of all of that is great!
ReplyDeletelove that photo!
ReplyDeleteThe first holiday after losing someone is the hardest. *hugs* We just had our first family get together since losing my uncle and it was rough. But we made it through to the other side. I guess that's just life?
ReplyDeleteOn a better note, your team looks freaking epic! Way to really get into the santa swing of things :)
That is a great photo. I can see how the pace would have been stressful for you. Congrats on finishing strong.
ReplyDelete{{hugs}} for the holidays without your parents, I know they're with you in your heart.
I think this is the most wonderful time of the year but because of that it is also the hard time with memories and thoughts of loved ones not there anymore. Luckily we can always focus on the good memories. This time of year is full of good memories. Take care and enjoy December!
ReplyDeleteSorry you are having a tough time, I can only imagine how tough it is, sending you big hugs. ((((you)))))
ReplyDeleteI do love the team name and the fun picture!
Your Santa collage picture would make a good Christmas card. That Santa race looks pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteHere's wishing you and Jim peace over the Christmas holiday.
I bet that is really hard not having parents during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThat Santa run sounds awesome, way better than Santas who dress up to get hammered at the bars.
Happy bday to Jim!
Hi, Michael! (That's my Hubby's name - how funny!) Anyway, I found your blog through Allison's & Jim's…I'm a fellow Lee's Summit runner (although very new at this, actually)…. This post hit me, as I lost my Dad in October…and I have to agree, the holidays were very hard. Every little thing would "trigger" the memories and emotions…and I thought the same thing - that I had one less present to buy this year, which just made me very sad. Anyway - good luck with your upcoming race in Phoenix; I'm heading to Disney World to do my 2nd half-marathon - ever!
ReplyDelete