#330: Parents: I have some, and they're quite awesome.

When did this happen?  

When did my parents become such pleasant people to spend time with? I'm telling you, it's been in the last 6 months. I just had the best time with my parents this week! 

A sign I serendipitously ran into in Austin

I do realize that the only one that's changed in this situation is me. What's so wonderful about it is that it just happened. With the exception of a few things like looking my mother in the eye and not calling my brother names at the Thanksgiving dinner table, I didn't do anything to make the relationship better. I didn't have to "work" on it. I've just been busy getting comfortable with myself  and suddenly I find myself in Austin feeling delighted to be with my parents. I saw them in new ways that I have hope is a byproduct of a new perception of myself. 

We went out to dinner last night and all three of us contributed to the conversation. I didn't leave anybody out. Back at home we watched TCU beat Baylor and then I forced them to sit through all of my Ireland pictures from the summer. We laughed so much! I didn't take my dad's snide remarks personally, and he didn't take it personally when my mom and I made fun of him for asking questions about stuff we had talked about 3 minutes earlier. 

Then, most amazingly, I lay in bed with my mom talking before we all went to bed. We talked and talked. And laughed. Lots of laughter.  

I let her in, and I'm so glad I did. I'm telling you, I never thought it would happen. 

Blessing 16 of 2015: the running girls

Today my running girls and I had our annual Christmas party--the one time a year we are all together (although one was absent and it's just not the same without her!).

I met these ladies nine years ago a week after the Table Rock Challenge, a run to the top of Table Rock at which point you get your picture taken with Smokey Bear  (I still have the picture).

These women have seen me [read: run me] through everything in Boise: depression, divorce, elation, break ups and now, joyfulness.  They have loved me during the good and the bad, at my worst and at my best. We have been competitive yet supportive; we've traveled together, been on the same team together, all slept in one room with 2 double beds.  One played music at my Irish going-away party.  I went to Disney World with one, New York with another, McCall with another few.  We are rarely in the same place at the same time, but the love is always there.

No matter what, we still run.  Everyone is always invited.  No. Matter. What.  It doesn't matter if you're late- they'll love you but they'll leave you!- it doesn't matter if you have to stop to cry in the middle of Rocky Canyon Road because your heart is broken.
Just. Keep. Running.

Day 15! Happy Surprises!

When I got home today, this greeted my on my front door!!!  Surprise!!

You can't see in the pictures but each heart says:
Joy-I Love You-Just-As-You-Are

I have no idea who did this [I have a few suspicions] and it absolutely made my day!!!!