Your Welcome has been so Nice and Warm

I really can't stay. It's crazy how fast the year is coming to an end. It seems like yesterday that I moved to Houston and started a new job. There have been so many things in my life that have changed that I have adjusted to quite well. I love being closer to my sister and having her over for our weekly dinner and workout. I get to see Travis more often on the weekends. I can make a quick drive home to see my mom and dad. I have more financial freedom to go on random trips and vacations. And Oliver is maturing so much that he pretty much takes care of himself. I still miss my friends in Austin and my morning runs on the trail, but I can always visit. Who knows, maybe one day we will be back. We never know what the year might hold.

I've got to get away. I have prospered so much in my running this year. I went from training for half marathons and running them twice a year to running half marathons on the weekend. I can't believe I am training for a Marathon. I am still in shock. This coming weekend I have to run my last big run before the race, which is 20 miles. This past weekend on my Half Marathon - The Santa Hustle, I snuck Oliver on the race course. They should allow dogs on the course more often. One, it helped get my mind off of the actual running. Two, every single person that saw him on the course smiled. That was one of my favorite races yet. I might be sneaking him onto the marathon course to run with me a little. He trains also and can run 5 miles with me.

I'd better scurry. We are also planning our camping trip to Enchanted Rock. I can't wait to hike and drink coffee and snuggle in our tent and cook on the campfire and play games. Enchanted Rock is a camping site that allows dogs on some of the trails so Oliver will get to join us. We also have the big Christmas Eve party at my parent's house. It is the most wonderful time of the year. My mom and I cook all day in the kitchen making delectable dishes. We all get dressed up fancy and go to Christmas Eve Mass that evening and have the entire family over for a party. The party is so festive and a family tradition I hope to keep alive forever. We have a quick turn around from Christmas where we will spend the day with Travis' family exchanging gifts and playing games. We leave for Enchanted Rock the following morning.

I simply must go. Right when we return from Enchanted Rock we will fall asleep and wake up in New York. I have been dreaming of a white Christmas since 2004. I'm overwhelmed in preparing my list of what to pack. I am not used to the New York weather. I'm just going to layer up and look like the Michelin Man. I also have been contacting running groups in New York to figure out how I'm going to get my long run in. Central Park is 6.1 miles, but I'm afraid to go alone. I'm sure I can drag Trav out early that morning with a cup of coffee and a warm breakfast. He can walk the trail while I run. I'm writing this idea without even proposing it to him yet. (Travis, I know you're reading this. What do you think? Text me if it's a good idea or if you're too scared for me to go alone. What's the plan??)

You've really been grand. I must give props to Travis throughout this entire Marathon training process. He has literally gone to every single race but one due to his work schedule. He has supported me and cheered me on and woke up at the crack of dawn to drive an hour to the start line. I rely on him more than he will ever know. Half the time I don't even know what time my races start. He looks up the weather and reminds me to dress for warmth, not fashion. I can't tell you how many times he has said that when packing for New York.

Say, lend me a coat. If I don't write before the new year, Happy Holidays. Thank you for everyone who has continuously read my blog and enjoyed my humor. As always, stay sweet (and warm)!

But baby, it's cold outside.