Boston and friends

Happy last day of 2012!

Every day for the last two weeks I have tried to think of something I am thankful for- why should this only happen around Thanksgiving?! These things have included the below.

I am thankful for...
1) ...my mom actually caring about my runs (she apparently cares when I tell her how far I ran and my average pace- or she fakes it really well)
2) ... the giggle of children. On my run the other day, I was annoyed at all of the adults taking up the whole sidewalk so I couldn't pass- until I heard two little girls giggling. :)
3) ...my health and happiness
4) ...my amazing roommate
5) ...my parents both being alive and well- and loving me no matter what
6) ...my brother's success and drive
7)...my friends... all over the country and the world.

and with that I will continue my Boston excursion.  My friend A has been a Peace Corps volunteer for the last 27 months. She finally came home for a brief visit because she extended for another year. I flew to Boston to see her as she was in between a visit to her own parents and meeting her boyfriends' parents.  I had SO much fun seeing her. As soon as I got off of the plane, I started gabbing and it was like we hadn't missed a beat. Our frequent skype conversations, letters, and packages seemed to really tide us over. Of course I had to fill her in on the last month, but c'mon, she's been gone for 2 years and all I need to tell her about is the last month?! Amazing! A hasn't dated much and knowing she has found "the guy" makes me the happiest person on earth for her. She is amazing inside and outside. Never have I met a person as stunningly beautiful as her who is even more beautiful on the inside. She never ceases to amaze me. I can't wait to meet this guy one day, and I can't wait for her to come home for good.

I also got the chance to see my uber successful friend, M. This girl worked on the Hill in DC while she went to night school for a masters in Government, and then she went on to get her MBA in Boston. Her job is a bit demanding, but she loves it. She has also found love and despite his religion differing from hers, they are the perfect match. She is a MOT just as I am (Member of the Tribe-i.e. Jewish), and we try our best to marry other Jews to perpetuate our religion. Unfortunately, you can't always choose who you will fall in love with. M found the sweetest guy who has agreed to raise their children Jewish- so hey, what more can you ask for?! I love how he balances her out and I truly feel like he is her other half. I hope 2013 brings exciting news for the two of them (hint, engagement?!).

I had the best 2012 a girl can ask for. I feel so lucky to have the friends and family in my life that I do. I wish I could spend the last night of 2012 with all of them, but I know I will see them all in 2013. I can't wait for the engagements, weddings, and babies that 2013 will bring. And of course, I can't wait to see what lies ahead for me.

Sidenote: I have settled down to feel the way a normal person would feel after meeting someone for one night. I am (hopefully) over my crazy, out of control phase, and just looking forward to meeting new people this coming year.

...cheers to 2013!