The Blur of October and November

Atlanta Braves - I watched them lose. In heartbreaking fashion. In the single wild card "playoff" game. I became a Detroit Tigers fan. I watched them win, win, win, win. Only to loose, loose, loose, loose.

Relocation - I moved out of my parents house(!!!) and into an apartment on the outskirts of our nation's capital. I never thought the time would come... but it did... and everyone was ready. The new place (including location and roommates) are perfect.

Cross Country Meets - I cheered C.A.H. on at each and everyone of his final races. As a runner, he has officially retired. 

Michigan - I traveled to Michigan to visit my extended family, co-volunteer R.A.P., and family friend M.J.H. for a football-centric weekend. I attended T-H-E B-E-S-T tailgate of my life; one where homemade donuts were deep-fried and served alongside a plethora of goodness. The Michigan Wolverines won their 900th game making for one happy Father. Though, sadly for Ma, this came at the expense of her alma mater, the Michigan State Spartans.

Halloween - I celebrated Halloween as myself amongst friends dressed as Disney Princesses and Toddlers (from TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras).

The Flu - I was d-e-m-o-l-i-s-h-e-d by the flu for the worst illness since junior year of college.

Hurricane Sandy - I witnessed the tail end of my "first" hurricane. And the result: a lot less fall leaves on trees.

Bachelorette Weekend - I traveled to Boston to celebrate a weekend J.M.S.'s upcoming wedding.

Election Day - I voted in my second presidential election.

Blood Drive - I spearheaded a Blood Drive for Team Mathias... and saw it come to fruition.

Nature - I spent time in the woods... but not nearly enough.

Football - Clemson. Saturday. Chiefs. Sunday. Good game. Monday. Bad Game. Thursday. Has. Not. Mattered. For I am watching.

Visitors - I had family and friends from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas visit.

Calzones - From flour and water and yeast and vegetables, I made a calzone from scratch. If you have spent more than five minute with me, you realize the huge accomplishment this was. Mostly, you recognize this achievement really does not deserve its own headline.

Work Functions - I have attended more "sad hours" than I care to recollect.

Birthday Parties - My friends are aging. But they are still a lot of fun.

Thanksgiving - I celebrated my hands-down favorite holiday. I grow to love it more each year... as it seems to be the only holiday not corrupted by commercialism. It is simply a day about family, friends, food, and fellowship.

Art Show - I attended an Opening Reception at Yellow Barn Gallery featuring works for Mashai, Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho painted and sketched by a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer from my Education 2010 class. Having no talent of my own, it was neat to see a the Peace Corps' Third Goal applied in this unique way. I felt exceptionally "connected" to the people and scenery captured in these paintings and sketches since T.G.W. was a district-mate.

October and November have been go-go-go. And life has been really good.