FALL

1) to drop or descend under the force of gravity, as to a lower place through loss or lack of support
2) to come or drop down suddenly to a lower position, especially to leave a standing suddenly, whether voluntarily or not
3) to become less or lower; become of a lower level, degree, amount, quality, value, number, etc.; decline
4) to subside or abate
5) extend downward; hang down

As impossible as it may seem, I find myself falling more in love with autumn every year -- the food, the activities, the colors, all of it!

This year Sebastian and I checked out a new fall activity -- zombie paintball hayrides! If you haven't heard of it you should check out Thomas Family Farms. We must have come late to the party on this one, because the lines were crazy long when we went. We waited for thirty minutes just to purchase tickets...only to go stand in another line for the hayride. Luckily, they have a VIP option -- so we gladly paid a bit more to skip the line. 

Picture your typical hayride. Now image paintball guns mounted to one side of the cart. Then put on some music and off we go! We had a blast shooting zombies in their different scenes with our glow-in-the-dark paintballs and watching some fall to the ground after they had hobbled too closely our way. (I will caution you -- the hayride route is much shorter than we expected, but they have a haunted house and a haunted corn maze so you could make your trip worth it by checking those out.)

After our zombie action, we headed over to the beer garden to watch some football and relax by the heaters. Nothing says fall like football, right?

Although we tried something new, I definitely could not let the season pass without going to a traditional pumpkin patch, this time with my family. Since my parents live in the south end, we choose to check out Spooner Farms in Puyallup and we were not disappointed. 

After throwing on some flannel shirts, we headed out to the patch. Spooner has facepainting, a maze, pumpkin sling shots, food, and lots of places for photo ops. Other than finding the perfect pumpkins, the pumpkin sling shot was definitely the highlight of our visit. I did not have much luck, as my little pumpkins didn't do much more than fall to the ground after I released the holster, but my sisters weren't doing too poorly and when we anchored my mom she had a few good shots. 

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend filled with autumn activities. Next on the to-do list is get my pumpkin carved! But until then I will treasure each and every colorful leaf that makes a delicate FALL.

RECAP

1) to review by a brief summary, as at the end of a speech or discussion; summarize.

(From the verb "recapitulate")

Despite the fact I was one day late to hop on the "30 Days of Thankfulness" train on Facebook for November --  I am glad it was better late than never. I am not someone who updates their Facebook status frequently, but I could definitely handle a once-a-day mention of something I was thankful for. AND let me tell you, this thankfulness movement made my "news feed" much more enjoyable to read! 

In honor of forming a good habit of being thankful for at least one thing everyday, I would like to recap my "30 Days of Thankfulness":

Day 1: I am thankful for my family. I would be nowhere without them.

Day 2: I am thankful for my work. I love going to work everyday: where I am challenged, where I laugh, where I learn, and where I grow. Thank you Hunt Marketing Group (especially Lisa Reeder)!

Day 3: I am thankful for support systems. I am thankful for those who have helped me through the good times and the bad. I am thankful that I can be a shoulder or a smile for my friends and family. Surround yourself with a solid support system.

Day 4: I am thankful for grace. I am thankful for those who are willing to ask for second chances and those who are willing to give to give them (neither of which are easy). Exercising grace with one another makes the world a better place.

Day 5: Today I am thankful for my health. Although I may gripe about being sore or going to the gym, I could not be more thankful to have two arms, two legs, a beating heart, strong lungs, etc. I am especially thankful for happy endorphins!

Day 6: I am thankful that we can call today "election day" because as Americans we have the right to vote. I am thankful for our forefathers who made our nation what it is today, so we can say "government of the people, by the people, for the people".

Day 7: Today I am thankful for my conservative, pro-America college education from Hillsdale College. I am thankful that my collegiate peers are educated on the Constitution and understand the concepts backing free-market economics. I am thankful that there are young people out there that understand: "you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity", "what one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving", "the government cannot give to anyone anything that the government does not first take away from some else", and "you cannot multiply wealth by diving it". I will remain hopeful...

Day 8: Today I am thankful for memories. I have had the chance to experience so many awesome things in my life -- and I have the pictures to prove it! One of my favorite memories from the past year was doing the Big Climb Seattle for Leukemia & Lymphoma in honor of my SURVIVOR Uncle. Who wants to join me this year to make more positive and amazing memories?!

Day 9: Today I am thankful for our service men and women. Because of you we still call America "the land of the free and home of the brave".

Day 10: I am thankful to be a Pi Beta Phi. Spending time with Washington Alpha made me miss Michigan Alpha tons. You girls are amazing. XOXO & PPL.

Day 11: This day and every day I am thankful for our Veterans. Now I think the Seahawks should win in their honor. Hug your veteran today!

Day 12: “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”-Marcel Proust / I am thankful for people who make me happy and I am also thankful for quotes. I LOVE a good quote. 

Day 13: Today I am thankful that I live in Seattle. I am continually awestruck by this city's natural beauty. Happy 161st Birthday Seattle!

Day 14: I am thankful for Wednesdays. I am thankful for the weekly get togethers that Shann, Jo and I started -- and Jordan and I continue while nurse Shann is in Spokane. Cheers to Wednesdays!

Day 15: I am thankful for the real things -- “The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Day 16: I am thankful for being INDEPENDENT.

Day 17: I am thankful for peace and quiet.

Day 18: I am thankful for my time as a barista at Starbucks. I have learned a lot about myself and others while working here. I told myself I would only stay for a year...but then I couldn't leave. Thanks to all those who made my time here awesome -- it has been a pleasure. After today I hang up my green (or red actually...) apron. (You can read my blog post about leaving Starbucks here!)

Day 19: I am thankful for 3 DAY WEEKS! Phew!

Day 20: I am thankful for my five senses.

Day 21: I am thankful for reunions. I LOVE the holidays because I get to see so many faces I miss throughout the year. Tonight's reunion includes dollfaces I have not seen since 7th grade! AH!

Day 22: Dried onions, green beans..LET ME SEE YOU CASSEROLE!!! Today I am thankful for green bean casserole! 

Day 23: I am thankful for four days out of Lake City, breakfast and lunch dates with my mentors, movies with family, leftovers (can you tell I love green bean casserole?!), time to blog by the fire, Life of Pi 3D... oh and more green bean casserole.

Day 24: I am thankful that I am the hero of my story.

Day 25: I am thankful for blogs. I love stumbling upon a new inspirational blog, following my friends and their adventures via their blogs, and having people support me as I blog. Do you have a blog? I want to follow you! And I would love if you would follow me!

Day 26: I received a card in the mail from a sorority sister and it made me realize how thankful I am for communication, whether it be text messages, skype, email, or good old fashioned letters. Lets all do a better job of utilizing our communication channels! Want an email or letter? PLEASE get me your email address and or home address and I will write you something!

Day 27: I am thankful for sleep. I don't know what I would do if I was an insomniac. I LOVE MY SLEEP.

Day 28: I am thankful that my Uncle Tiger BEAT leukemia. I will do everything I can to support this cause and help fund research so others can BEAT leukemia. PLEASE support my team!

Day 29: Today I am thankful for rain. I absolutely love rain. I love the smell, the sound, and the cozy feeling it evokes. I also love that rain means it is too warm to snow!

Day 30: Today I am thankful for lazy four-day weekends. I am also thankful for the habit I have formed of recognizing at least one thing to be thankful for everyday. It may not show in my status, but it will continue in my heart and mind.

Well, thats a wrap! "30 days of Thankfulness" complete -- and it was a lot of fun! Next month's challenge is on Instgram, so at the end of the month I will be sure to....

RECAP!

QUIT

1) to stop, cease, or discontinue
2) to depart from; leave (a place or person)
3) to give up or resign; let go; relinquish

Yep, I bet you are just as surprised as I am to see this verb. This is definitely not one of the words I figured would wiggle its way into my mental queue -- mostly because "quitting" doesn't really exist in my vocabulary. I am not a quitter -- I have never been and I never will be. But when I realized I was starting to make a "workaholic schedule" my lifestyle at age 23, I knew something had to give. 

I started working two jobs by a mere accident. After graduation, I moved home and spent the following months searching for a career job. After three months, I couldn't take being unemployed any longer (patience is still a virtue, not a reality). This prompted me to apply at a North Seattle Starbucks near the house I was planning on moving into once I found a job. The idea was that being a barista at Starbucks would give me something to do as I continued my job search. After some solid advice from a good friend's mom, I took a leap of faith -- and moved out on my own while I waited to hear back from Starbucks (and continued to interview for career jobs). I received a call from Starbucks a few days after I had settled into my new home, alerting me that I was in! I was relieved knowing I had something in the form of work -- let the two weeks of training begin! 

Just three days into my training, Hunt Marketing Group called to tell me they would like to hire me on for a contract position. Can you believe it? Of all serendipitous events! I was THRILLED -- but I couldn't just jump ship on Starbucks. It costs time, money, and resources to hire a new partner so I was going to do whatever it took to make both work (temporarily). Who knew? Perhaps my contract with HMG would end after two months and I would be back with only Starbucks on my plate. I spoke to my Starbucks manager about the situation and he was more than happy to accommodate my schedule, as I made a verbal commitment to stay for a year. This put me at 8:30am - 5pm M-F at HMG, 7:30pm - 10:45pm at Starbucks (on whatever evenings I was scheduled) and weekends at Starbucks: net-net, I was working about 85 hours a week. 

Two weeks into my contract position, HMG decided I was a great fit for the team. YES! And they offered me a position as an Assistant Account Executive. Dreams come true! This was exactly what I had been working toward and exactly what I wanted. Now I just needed to continue to prove my worth... 

As more weeks passed, I was slowing watching myself turn into a zombie. I was not my perky, proactive, outgoing self. I hesitantly spoke to my manager at Starbucks (as I had already asked him to work around my schedule once) and he, thankfully, was able to only schedule me on weekends. I cannot tell you how amazing it felt to only work weekends! Truly a breeze! 56 hours of work a week feels so much more "do-able" when you are comparing it to 85 hours. Yes -- I was still a little tired, yes -- I was still ignoring my social life but I was still fitting in short visits with friends, multiple gym days a week, and 40 minutes of reading a day. People can get used to anything right?

This August brought the wonderful surprise of a promotion and new business cards that read: Account Executive. It was time for me to re-evaluate my work situation. I loved working at Starbucks, I loved the extra income, and I was completely used to my "7-days-a-week" work schedule, but that did not mean it was the best situation for me. How can I focus on my career with a second job in tow? How will I have any time to enjoy things I want to do? I weighed the pro's and con's for all of August and September, and finally gave my notice in October (yes -- gave a month's notice...that's EXTRA polite right?)

Last Sunday, November 19th was the last day I clocked in as a barista for Starbucks. It was much more bittersweet than I imagined it would be. I knew I was choosing to leave for the right reasons, but that didn't make it any easier. I learned so much from working at Starbucks and although it seemed like an accident that both jobs came to me at the same time -- I know it was meant to challenge me and help me grow in the "real-world classroom". I did cry bitter sweet tears (twice), as I left my store that day. After some reflection, I think that they were truly tears of relief. I made it: I have a solid job, I met (and surpassed) my commitment of being at Starbucks for a year, and now I have time for my self. Despite the fact that free time scares me a little, I am POSITIVE I will find ways to busy myself. Similar to how I became immune to the stress of working two jobs, I will eventually get used to having time for myself. 

When I told my family about leaving Starbucks, my oldest sister wisely proclaimed "quitting is for winners". And although I know she was being playful -- she is right. A winner understands strategy and entails knowing when to push themselves, when to hold back, when to jump in, and when to through in the towel. I have reached a point where it was time for me to do what is best for myself, and move on. I am still surprising myself as I type this, but I am finding that in some instances you may actually be doing the right thing if you...

QUIT!

 Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: Goodbye message on my iced ,triple, grande, non-fat, caramel macchiato 2: my first day of work at Starbucks 3: My last day of work at Starbucks 4: 1 of 3 "MUG" awards I received while working at Starbucks ("Moments of Uncommon Greatness") 5: My view from the break room of 120th and Lake City Way

GIVE

1) to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow 

2) to hand to someone 

3) to place in someone's care 

4) to grant (permission, opportunity, etc.) to someone 

5) to impart or communicate

Every Wednesday, one of my bests and I get together to catch up on the week and try out new recipes. This past week I was inspired by a wonderful co-worker, who had stumbled upon "Operation Christmas Child" and I asked Jo if she wanted to devote our "Wednesday Date Night" to this worthy cause. Of course, Jo was totally on board!

"Operation Christmas Child" is a simple way to create a little care package for a children in need. Jo and I picked the 10 - 14 year old age group and decided to make one package for a girl and one for a boy. Gathering little gifts was challenging (what colors do they like? what size are they? will this fit in the box?), yet fun -- and as we shopped around the store, we found ourselves creating a personality and likes/dislikes for "our kids".

We found that in giving to others, we received a sense of accomplishment. As we wrapped our gifts and imagined the smiles on the faces of the kids that would open these care packages, we couldn't help have our hearts warmed (despite the chilly November evening). And I may just be speaking for myself, but I think we even began to feel the Christmas spirit (a little early, we know!).

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: Finished product! 2: Jo prepping the gifts 

3: Moxi trying to help? 4: Boy gifts 5: Girl gifts

This week, I gave all of my time to my family. After working two jobs for over a year, I have not had any free time to head south and spend time with my parents and oldest sister. The arrival of Thanksgiving was just in time -- as family time is exactly what I need!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and not just for the food (I am a vegetarian after all...). The idea of spending a day "in thanks" and remembering to give thanks for all of the true blessings in your life is a beautiful and soul-stirring concept to me. And if I someday could could create the perfect household, "Thanksgiving day" would be every Sunday. I would love to devote Sundays to time with the family (and extended family), a wonderful family dinner (where everyone is included in the preparation), and relaxation. I think it is important to place a strong emphasis on the family unit, and this idea is absolutely reinforced on Thanksgiving.

Keep in mind that although you may only have a Thanksgiving day feast of food once a year, your life is a feast of blessings all year -- and you have much to give thanks for.

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: Brussell Sprouts -- my dish this year 

2: My first Cherry Pie that I made with my mother 3: Stuffing in the 

Crock Pot -- great for vegetarians 4: Our homemade Pumpkin Pie

As we enter the Christmas season, keep in mind the many ways in which you have the opportunity to...
GIVE!

REVEL

1) to take great pleasure or delight 

2) to make merry; indulge in boisterous festivities

This evening I had some down time. As I sat in my room, flipping through pictures from the last month, I couldn't help but revel in some of the amazing memories I have recently created -- with two of my favorites from one very special weekend in mid-October.

This truly has got to be the good life. 

On Friday, October 12th, I had the opportunity to witness a historical musical event. I bought my pre-sale tickets for this concert the very MINUTE they went on sale in May and I could not contain my excitement throughout the following months. I had been waiting to see my favorite performer since I missed him at Bumbershoot in 2009. Little did I know that throughout the upcoming months, this favorite hip hop artist of mine would go from "Seattle Underground" to "Number 1 on iTunes Nation-Wide"! "The Heist" was SOLD-OUT at WAMU Theater... 7,000+ tickets were sold. Absolutely amazing! Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are a true testament to the art form of music. If you create something powerful, good, true, raw, and honest, people cannot help but listen, connect, and support. The night of the concert is one that will last in my memory forever. It may be true that I cried five times throughout the show but it was because I was completely moved by the whole experience. It was stunning to witness the humility with which Macklemore performed -- there were times when he simply stared at the crowd before him, in awe, as his fans sang every word of his songs back to him. Macklemore bared his soul to his hometown that night. Even now, the experience gives me chills and makes my eyes well. There is only one word to describe the event: epic. 

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: Outside WAMU Theater 2: Happy Birthday Michelle!
3: The Group 4: MACKLEMORE!

The next day Saturday, October 13th, I participated in Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Annual 5k "Walk Like MADD" Event to honor Bawny Brook McQuistin. This may sound neurotic, but I was beyond terrified to do this walk. The first time I participated in "Walk Like MADD" I had the the biggest team and I raised the most money (24 walkers and almost $4,000). The original event fell a few short months after the tragedy so it was still fresh in everyone's minds. I was so anxiety ridden because I didn't want there to be any less involvement than when I first participated five years ago. I was not ready to come to terms with the fact that people have distanced themselves from the loss after all this time. After some serious coaxing, crying and coaching from/with a friend I was reminded why this event is so important. It is not about the numbers, it is about progress, healing, and the cause itself. It is about being forward looking, not past dwelling. As I began talking to friends and family about the event, I was shown that there was nothing for me to be afraid of. Losing a best friend is not easy, everyone knows that. But not everyone knows the support I have been shown as I dealt with this tragedy. I would not be where I am today, five years of being without the smile I cherish, if it were not for my friends and family. Thank you to all of those who listened to my story, and donated time, money and energy. And although I have moved beyond the numbers and I have focused on the deeper importance of the event...you still may be wondering... so I will tell you: I was the top fundraiser and my team was ranked 4th highest in fundraising! Team Bawny has seen much success and I can only attribute the success to those in my support system. I cannot explain how cathartic this experience has been. The day of the event may have been overcast and cloudy, but my heart was warm and my soul smiling.

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: Top Walker Award and flowers from Bawny's family
2: Michelle and I ready to Walk 3: Team Bawny 4: Award Ceremony

I hope that as this rainy fall continues, and the dark of the evenings creep in quicker with each dusk, that you have the chance to curl up in a blanket and take time to reflect on some wonderful moments you have created. And as you conjure up all the emotions, senses, and visions from the occasions, I hope you truly stop, enjoy the memory, and...
REVEL!

PARTAKE

1) to take or have a part or share along with others; participate 

2) to receive, take, or have a share or portion 

3) to have something of the nature or character

Time really does fly when you are having fun. Life has been so good to me lately -- now if only I could convince it to slow down. 

Since autumn is my favorite season, I knew it would fly by in the blink of any eye. In order to to squeeze the most I could out of the season, I was determined to do "all things fall". I am thankful that I had some of my favorite people by my side as I checked off my fall to-do list: went to the pumpkin patch, carved pumpkins, sipped hot apple cider and ate cake doughnuts, raked leaves, hand crafted pumpkin spice lattes, played dress-up for Halloween, pulled sweaters, scarves and boots out from hiding, ate soup, watched football, made a fire, read good books, and relaxed by candlelight. 

I still have one more month of autumn goodness. I am determined to hug each minute of it, as I continue to find autumn activities in which I want to...

PARTAKE! 

KICK-OFF

1) the initial stage of something; start; beginning 
2) a place kick or a drop kick from the 40-yard of the team kicking at the beginning of the first and third quarters or after the team kicking has scored a touchdown or field goal

September 22nd marked the beginning of my second favorite season of the year (with summer being my first). Autumn is upon Seattle, in true “Indian Summer” fashion. Sunny, warmish days followed by breathtaking sunsets, as dusk tries to linger a little longer…slowly kiss summer good-bye.

I kicked-off fall in the best way I knew how — the Puyallup Fair style! We had a beautiful day packed with food, rides, games, and PLENTY of spectacular people watching. It has been five years since the last time I had the chance to visit the fair and it truly has not changed one bit. I definitely became quite nostalgic as I ate my elephant ear, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The fair will continue to be a fall tradition.

This past weekend also marked the kick-off of the 2012-2013 year for theSeattle Area Pi Beta Phi Alum Club. This will be the second year I have been involved with the club, and although it is no substitute for my collegiate years as a Michigan Alpha, this club has been a true blessing! I have met many wonderful women through my involvement — friends, colleagues, mentors, and role models.
We kicked off the year with a “tail gating” themed, meet and greet style event, complete with a cooking demonstration provided by the head chef from Szmania’s. If this kick-off was a true taste of what this upcoming year of events will be like — I already want seconds!

Last but certainly not least…with fall brings FOOTBALL! I am excited to see what the season has in store for the Seahawks. Despite the fact that winning doesn’t seem to always be in our cards, I do enjoy the good company I have as I watch the games. And on that note, I must wrap up as it is almost time for…

KICK-OFF!

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: The Zipper! THE BEST amusement park ride 2: Dizzy Hips! Hula Hoop performer 

3: Waiting for the Zipper mayhem to ensue 4: BEST Scones…I may have purchased 15? 

5: The “Premier” Club dangle, for members of the Seattle Area Pi Beta Phi Alum club, in recognition of their high ranking status from Nationals