Gobble Up!

By HATTIE FOOTE

After a chaotic morning getting kids dressed, lunches packed, and a school drop off, all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and catch up on trash TV. I had a few minutes of moaning and groaning when I decided to suck it up and head to Coronado Fitness Club to be productive. I took one of my favorite classes — Spin and Stretch with Sam — and as we were finishing, she shouted for us to be thankful for this moment, our ability to move our bodies and feel the blood pumping, hearts beating. It reminded me how I never regret working out, no matter how much I didn’t want to do it. As our girl Elle Woods said in the movie Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands, they just don’t!” So, I can assume my husband is very thankful for endorphins this year!

Between cooking and large family gatherings, Thanksgiving can be wonderful or hellish, or even wonderfully hellish! May I suggest getting those endorphins flowing to kick off the day by participating in the Coronado Unit of the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary 5k Turkey Trot at Tidelands Park! It is one of my families’ favorite traditions, and over the years we have been doing it with all our friends before we all head off to our respective family dinners. We will be out of town this year, as we are headed to Washington DC, but even when we are out of town, we wear our shirts wherever we are and do our own trot. Three years ago, we were frolicking through Lincoln Park in Chicago, all proudly wearing our Coronado Turkey Trot shirts!

This year has been chock-full of lessons in gratitude for me, and one situation sticks out specifically. After turning 40, I had my first mammogram (ladies don’t forget to schedule yours) and I was stressed. I was dreading it and made it much more dramatic in my head. It wasn’t terrible and I was relieved to be done with it, only to then completely panic while waiting for the results. When I got the all clear I felt like I could breathe… until next year when I do it all over again. But in this moment, I am so grateful for my health. I saw this meme once and it said something along the lines of “when your nose is stuffed and all you can think about is how you take breathing normally for granted.” Ain’t that the truth! Health is wealth!

Speaking of gratitude, I am extremely grateful we are traveling this year, and I will not be cooking! My mom and aunt will take the lead, while the rest of us lounge around drinking wine and harassing our chefs. My son asked if we were having chicken and avocado again this year, which I am assuming that he is referring to the turkey and green bean casserole from last year. I’m glad my cooking left such an impression on him. I asked what he would like to be served, and he requested shrimp, French fries, and banana splits, so that should be delicious.

I really do enjoy Thanksgiving so much; it is a beautiful time for reflection and love. I am so appreciative for this space to connect with my community, and our special town. I hope you enjoy your day with your loved ones, eat as much as you can, and chill out because as you know, we have a very quick turnaround time for the holidays! As soon as the tryptophan wears off it is time for the Coronado Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting! Mark your calendars for 12/06! Happy Thanksgiving Coronado, you jewels of the crown!