So much to be thankful for

It's hard to believe we're already at Thanksgiving! 2011 has flown by, and it's amazing how much has changed this year.

I'm thankful for so many things....

• A good job that I enjoy
• A warm home for my family
• Never having to worry about where the next meal will come from
• Living in a wonderful community
• Having a healthy, happy family
• My wonderful friends and family members who keep me sane

I'm also so thankful for the changes I've made in my life, and the support I've received from everyone around me. This time last year, I was 187 lbs. I hardly ever exercised, and there is no way on God's green earth that you would catch me running. But as I volunteered at the Fox and the Turkey 4 miler in Batavia last year, I had a moment where I realized I had to do something about my lifestyle. I saw people of all shapes, sizes and ages, and I thought to myself "if they can do it, then I have no excuse". It did take me another month or so before I actually became serious about it.

A year ago, I don't even know if I could have run 4 blocks. Today I ran (and finished!) 4 miles, and feel incredible! What a way to start out this day! I got to run with a great friend, and I saw so many others on the course and afterwards. My brother also ran it, and did a fabulous job. He's so much faster than me, so we don't run together. But I love knowing that he's there, and then I have someone else to cheer me on at the finish.

So to everyone who reads this - thank you for all of your support, and continuing to cheer me on. You have no idea how much it means to me.