Bad things happen to good people. He doesn’t deserve you. You are so much better than him. You will get through this. Live and learn. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You were the best thing to happen to him. Chew with your mouth closed.
These are things you might be tempted to say to me over the course of the next few weeks. But please don’t say them. Just buy me another drink. And don’t tell me that I’m looking a little “puffy” either. I won’t stand for it.
This weekend, my relationship ended, and while crying, writing long blog posts without punctuation, and burning his gifts all seem like good ideas, I won’t do that. I’m pretty sure my neighbor won’t politely knock when she sees smoke leaking out under my door either.
In fact, I’m bloody sick of dwelling on my problems (and apparently British). I don’t want to do that today. Or tomorrow, or next week. We weren’t right for each other and that’s all I’m going to tell you about what happened. Except that I also made sure to get my snuggie back. I have my priorities straight.
I am writing about my break-up because I know that the next few weeks will be difficult. I haven’t yet digested what happened, but I know that eventually I will experience many things ranging from anger to sadness to relief to hope.
There will be many times in which I will want to skip my run to pout, or when I will run faster and harder and longer than I should because I’m so angry. So I thought, maybe, it’s time to take stock of all the things that I am thankful about post-relationship. This way, I have something to look back to and cheer me up on bad days.
I am thankful that:
…I have guaranteed entry to the NYC Marathon in 2012.
…I can now stay in on Friday nights and watch musicals.
…I’m glad that Michigan is 8-2. And that we are ranked in the top 25 too. Go Blue!
…I can sleep with the windows open.
…Sirachua was invented. Everything is better with this delicious red sauce.
…I watched the New York Marathon from three spots this year.
…I no longer have to worry if my period is a minute late.
…My hips haven’t hurt in about four months.
…I still have a chance with Leonardo DiCaprio.
…I get to live in the most awesomest city in the world. I heart New York.
…My job lets me work from home.
…No one will finish my 16 handles for me anymore. I want it all to myself.
…I got to travel to Spain for 10 days last year. Now I’m hooked on international travel. The Detroit Half doesn’t count.
…I don’t have to worry about having man-food options in my kitchen.
…I don’t have to shower for three days in a row. Hahaha, I got you there. But I’m just saying – it’s an option.
…I found SmartCoach and he thinks I can run a 2:08 in a half-marathon. I think it too.
…I have a job that I like and which doesn’t require me to work a minimum of 10 hours a day.
…I can go to yoga and spinning during lunch. Michael Macneal you rock my world.
…Fairway opened on the Upper East Side. And I never have to go to Food Emporium again.
…I live only four blocks from Central Park.
…it’s 60 degrees outside and November.
…I get to go home to Michigan for Thanksgiving. Not so excited about the turkey eating part, but there is pie which makes me happy.
…My butt, legs, arms, back, and abs all hurt from Sunday’s yoga class.
…I have a ticket from my dear friend, Liz, to go to the Michigan vs. Ohio State game. We’re going to win, and I can’t wait to witness it.
…I have a Garmin and an iPod to get me through my runs.
…A broken heart has given me a great excuse to splurge at Lululemon.
…There are so many good healthy living blogs out there to keep me entertained during my breaks at work.
…I live only two subway stops from work.
…I know how to use Excel for more than just adding up numbers.
…Versace is coming to H&M.
…Sarah Palin is not running for President. Although, I am a little sad we can’t see Tina Fey reprise her role on SNL.
…My friends recommended Suits and now I have a new favorite TV show. Those lawyers are always so cool. Maybe I should present David Kelly with a show about accountants. It’s the next biggest thing, no?
…I can rent movies off iTunes. And can I just say, Harry Potter movies are scary?
…My brother is coming to visit me in December.
…I dated my ex-boyfriend, even if it is over. Not all stories have a happy ending.
…coffee. Now that’s something, I cannot live without. Ever.
…I can afford to live on my own in the Upper East Side. I loved you roommates, but living on my own means that I can be messy and you won’t get mad at me anymore.
…I don’t have to be at work until 9:30 a.m.
…Running gives me the perfect excuse to put extra salt on all my food.
…I started this blog. I love my blog. It’s my job that I don’t get paid for in dollars but still get rewarded for in smiles – or something corny and non-monetary like that.
Sure there will be tears and some cursing, but I’m not going to let the break-up take over my life, because I have a heck of a lot of stuff to be grateful for right now.
What are you thankful for? Have you ever engaged in self-destructive behaviors when something goes wrong – i.e. eating bad food, getting drunk, taking a day off work, etc?
Break ups suck. There is nothing else to say about them. But your list is such a good way to get perspective.
Also, I am really thankful for Fairway on the UES also. And of course 16 handles! Get yourself extra now!!
I always felt like Food Emporium was trying to rob me by charging me $8.00 for a carrot.
I’m grateful that I get to see you in 11 days! Sorry to hear about your breakup, but by the sounds of this post you seem to be doing ok.
Go Blue!
I know I can’t wait too! I haven’t been to a game in a few years and I have never been after the renovations so I’m really excited. Thanks to Matt for having to work that day!
Oh, I am so sorry! I am glad you are trying to stay positive. And keep running…it cures all
Don’t you worry, I won’t stop running. It’s the one thing I know I can’t give up.
Sorry lady! But you’ve listed so many good things here! Focusing on all of the good can definitely help with hard times. You’ll come out of this stronger. I actually started running after a breakup – it helped me get over it and opened my eyes to a whole new passion!
Also, I am SO thankful for Fairway on the UES
Thanks for the encouragement. And Fairway is the best thing to come to the UES since Central Park.
Such a great perspective, especially considering you’re dealing with a breakup which is never easy or fun.
Hang in there – use running as your outlet!!
Running is always my outlet, I just don’t want to lose my focus on my goals either!
I just came across your blog and I’m sorry this is the first post I’m reading. Breakups are the WORST! I feel for you! I don’t know you, but I’m sending you hugs! (Is that weird?) Well, anyhow, you have a great list here. The Upper East Side is awesome. We have all the things you listed and– did you know that they are opening a Panera, too? As a fellow Midwesterner, I hope you appreciate this as much as I do. Take care and keep on running in CP! It’s the best,as you know!
I didn’t know that Panera was coming here! That’s great! I used to go there every Saturday in college for lunch.
Break-ups are the worst! Good for you to focus on what you’re thankful for though! Sometimes when I’m down I go and get myself a tasty gourmet cupcake all for myself
MMM, cupcakes really can cure all.
Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for your comment on my post. That is so sweet of you to be so supportive.
Even though I just found your blog, I am so sorry to hear about your breakup. I cannot manage dealing with a breakup without some self destructive behaviors. I don’t know what I would do if i didn’t sleep all day, stay up all night, withdrawal from friends, skip meals and get adequately boozed. Kudos to you for keeping it together girl!
It’s more of an aspiration that the reality. But I think that by keeping a positive face, I hope to move on faster.
Splurges at Lululemon are one of the best way to mend a broken heart. Nothing cheers me up more than cute running clothes with messages screened on them reminding you that you’re awesome!!!
Oh Lululemon will print messages on your clothing? I didn’t know that….I will have to look into that for a race one day. And looking good while sweating makes workouts even better.
Hey there,
I actually found your blog a lil ago but then lost it! I wanted to post to say I hope your doing ok after your break up! I went through a break up when living in new york and it sucked. But you seem to have a really good attitude- there are tons of awesome stuff about being single in new york. I presume you have already had a sex and the city marathon with ben and jerry and/or 16 handles?
Plus running- a fabulous way to get out your emotions. Fast running for anger, slow running for sadness, general running just to get out of the house.
I used to live on UES (and will again when i come back from mexico). Its a great place… I couldn’t live too far from the park. Also- have you tried red relvet cupcakes from two red hens on 86th and 2nd?
Nice to meet you (via blog!) Keep smiling!
Josie
Awww, thanks so much for reading and for your concern! This blog and running are definitely helping me out!
Also, yes, I have been to 2 red hens and I love their cupcakes. I haven’t tried the red velvet yet, but I’ve had a few other flavors and I love them!