Thanksgiving

Ah, the annual day of thanks and gluttony. As per usual, Brad and I made a big Thanksgiving feast this year. I am thankful that we are financially able to indulge like we did. Here are some other things I am thankful for this year:


Brad. Today, tomorrow, for the past 13 years, and forever.

My group of Charleston friends, who I have only met in the last year, and who make living here so much better.

Our new house, the nice flat neighborhood it is in, and again, that we have the means to live here comfortably.

Our upcoming trip back to Wisconsin to see family and friends. There is a new six month old addition to our group of hometown friends this year, and we can't wait to meet her.

My health, Brad's health, Ilsa's health, and the health of those we love.


I'm off this afternoon to lovely Fayetteville WV to hike and support local businesses. Happy 65 degree day in November.

Running, Camping and Hiking

Some highlights from the last few weeks:

1. I ran my 2nd 5K and finished one minute and 40 seconds faster (or less slow, as the case may be) than my 1st. In 850 degree heat and 1,000% humidity.

2. Celebrated Brad's 31st birthday with an ice cream cake and dinner at Lola's. <3

3. Went camping in the Canaan Valley National Wilderness Refuge in Davis WV with Brad and Ilsa. Saw no wildlife.

4. Ate at Hellbender's twice while in Davis. Drank PBR.

5. Hiked the most difficult 12 miles of my life in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. This included calf-deep mud, ankle-rolling rocks and multiple stream crossings.

6. We ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING in a large open field on top of a mountain in Dolly Sods. Cloud-to-ground lightning struck about 100 feet away from us. It was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me; I literally thought I might die.

7. I learned that I really am stronger than I think I am.