Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful to be here in Washington after yesterday's epic day of travel. A bumpy hour-long cab ride followed by a six and a half hour flight with a dog and then a two and a half hour drive to my family's home meant that I crashed immediately after getting here.

I thought I'd do a quick Thankful Thursday post because I always feel very thankful after getting to my destination safely. Then I'm going to drive (!!!) to Starbucks where they have fresh-pressed green juices (!!!). If the exclamation marks didn't alert you, I love driving and green juices.

I am thankful for...

right before boarding. he looks...bored.

... my dog. It's a huge pain to travel with a pet, and yet having him with me makes any place happier. He was so incredibly well-behaved during the entire process. I felt like a parent because I was so proud as he received compliment after compliment. "Why yes, he is a perfect pooch. Thank you." I left out the part about him being bossy...

... my family. Well, obviously. How could I not be thankful for them after they drove 2.5 hours to pick me up and another 2.5 hours to get me back? My mom even went to work early so she could get out in time to drive down with my dad. And my sister cleaned my old room so it would be nice and cozy for me to settle into. So much love to arrive to... and I am so thankful for them.

(source)

... good customer service. I was honestly amazed when the DryBar said my blowout was being comped because it was their first day in their Upper East Side location. That, in addition to the great blowout, the friendly women manning the front desk, and the delicious biscotti, are why I will certainly be back. I hadn't had a great evening and this perked me up so much.

... healthy fast food. I know, so superficial... blowouts and food. Sorry, but I was extremely thankful for this yesterday. On our drive back, we stopped at a chain called Taco del Mar where I could get black beans, rice, fish, salsa, and guacamole in a bowl. It was 10 PM my time and I was famished. Being able to eat something filling and quick was amazing. I love that more and more places are offering healthy fast food.

... beautiful sunrises. I got to see this on my last Central Park run of 2012 as I rounded the Reservoir. I'm often up fairly early, but rarely up early enough to see the sun rise. I was actually so awed that I turned off my music so I could just enjoy the calm, quiet beauty of morning in Central Park.

What are you thankful for today?