Finally....Thanksgiving

       "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." JFK


     YAY.....Thanksgiving was a wonderful success.  For the past week I have been so excited for Thanksgiving to arrive.....excited to spend my day doing something new, and being able to give back to the community.  While my morning tested me a little, my day only got better.  So, let me recap for you all:  My day started with the Thanks 4 Giving 5K/10K run/walk (in support of domestic violence), in which I had registered to run the 10K......well, I guess that wasn't exactly in my cards.  For the entire week leading up to Turkey day I have been battling off a very pesky cold, that doesn't seem to want to go away.  To say the least I've been feeling a little under the weather, and I wasn't able to do much running/training.....so in my best interest I decided to participate in the 5K run, as opposed to the 10K (which turned out to be the best decision I made).  The race registration started at 7am....bright and early, as well as FREEZING COLD.  Well, my first mistake of the morning was thinking that my cold tolerance was much lower than I anticipated (and should have known).  I wore long pants, and and a long sleeve shirt, and brought some gloves....thinking that ear muffs would be over the top.  I figured I'd be that ridiculous Californian who couldn't tolerate some cold weather for a little run......well, I've learned my lesson.....I will for now and forever always over prepare, because it turns out I was one of the FEW people not wearing ear muffs.  After accepting the fact that I was going to have to withstand the cold weather, I headed to the check-in tent to receive my number, and directions about the race start, and then headed back to my car to drop off my bag, and keep warm for the remainder of the time.  I decided that I would get my I-pod set up in the car to waste a little time, so I would have a motivating play list to get me through the race.....well, my second road-block of the day.....I go to form my playlist, and I have NO MUSIC ON MY I-POD.......WHAT!!!!!  After deciding to download the latest version of my I-pod the night before, all my music was erased from my phone!  (Next lesson, after updating I-pod, always immediately check phone to make sure nothing's been lost).  How was I going to get through this race....I rely on music!  Then, my "run-tracker" decided to malfunction....basically, it won't turn on!!! DEEP BREATH......Okay....how was I going to get through this???  So, I suck it up, head to the start line joined by over 1,000 participants.....90% of who know how to dress properly for a race in the cold, and don't delete all their music the night before a race!  Anyways, I completed the 5K course, running the entire race, and had a wonderful time.  There were tons of supporters lining the course cheering on the runners...all withstanding the cold, to help out a great cause....some even dressed up a pilgrims, and decorated with turkey head pieces!  Once completing the race, each participant was given a pie.....I received an apple pie (which I brought to the meal center).  I was so excited after the race.......I felt that I participated in an event that was making a difference in people's lives....it was also wonderful to be surrounded by so many people all gathered for the same cause.  I headed back home after the race for a little R&R.....I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (with a little cat-nap half-way through), and got to watch a little football, before heading out to Cor Unum Meal Center.
     I got to the meal center earlier than normal, with the thought that Thanksgiving would be a very busy service night.  The dining room was decorated so nicely with candles, and flowers, and nice place settings.  I helped get the kitchen ready and got to meet several volunteers who were helping out for their first time.  It was so wonderful to see the numerous volunteers coming together for a great cause....some coming as families with little kids, some on their own.  I met one volunteer in particular who I worked with for most of the night; I got to talk to her quite a bit, and found out she is on the board of an organization called RARA (Remarkable Active Resilient Adults), working with adults  who have special needs.  After chatting a while, she gave me the information for the organization, and invited me to come to the center for a tour, and set me up with paperwork to be able to volunteer.  It's funny how things like that just work out.  For those of you who don't know, I am very interested in working with individuals with special needs, and am so excited to have the opportunity to volunteer in this setting.  As for the remainder of my night at the meal center, it was not nearly as busy as I had expected.  I was told that during Thanksgiving there are several meal centers open throughout the day, so individuals are able to make their way around, and have food throughout the day......what this means for us (especially those of us working the dessert station), is that by their last meal (which is with us) they are filled up on other meals, that they are not as hungry as you may expect.  As each person left the center they were offered bags of fruit, and pies to take with them (that were provided by extra food from road races held throughout the day...and there was a ton of food).  
     There was one part of the night that had the biggest impact on me, there were a group of teenage boys (probably 16-17) who were homeless, and on their own.....not with families, just with each other.  As they were leaving the lady at the front desk (one of the permanent workers), asked if they were going to be warm enough for the night (seeing that all they had were jeans, with a hoodie, and light jacket), and they just nodded, and said "we'll be fine."  While, yes, they said they'd be fine, sometimes you can just wish you could do more.  If only we could have offered them something more sufficient to keep themselves warm.  The front desk lady had mentioned that she wished she had a collection of coats that she could hand out to those coming in, who don't have something warm to wear......and that gave me an idea.  I've sent an e-mail out to many of you already, however for those of you who did not receive it, I briefly recap.....I have decided to put together a coat drive, and bring the coats collected to Cor Unum Meal Center, so that they are able to provide individuals with coats.  I'm going to be collecting them from now until December 15th, and dropping them off on the 16th (the day before I leave to head back to Cali).  If you would like to donate a coat please let me know....via e-mail: Rebecca.McCabe1@gmail.com.  Also, as I know many of you are not on the east coast, there are several different food, coat, blanket drives etc., that you can get involved with.  Well, that basically sums up my day.....it was a wonderful experience and really gave me a lot to be thankful for.  I know that I have not stated it above, but on a final note I would like to say that: I am thankful for having such loving family and friends, being able to have supportive people who I can count on, and are there for me when I really need them, being able to enjoy the many things I sometimes take for granite: sleeping in a warm home, having choices about the foods I eat, and I'm thankful for everything I've learned over the past 3 months.  Hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving!

Coats for the Cold

Winter Coat Drive

WHAT:  I will be collecting ANY new, used, or old winter coats (men, women, children; ALL SIZES) and donating them to the Cor Unum Meal Center on December 16th, 2010 to hand out to individuals who are in need of a coat to stay warm. 

WHEN: From NOW until December 15th, 2010   

WHY: As some of you may know I am currently volunteering at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence, MA.  I have been volunteering their weekly over the past 3 months, and it has been such an amazing experience. Cor Unum serves breakfast and dinner meals 365 days/year to individuals who may not be able to put food on their own table.  Many of the individuals coming in are currently homeless, living on the streets, with inadequate means to keep warm.  I have been so touched by the people coming in, and their stories, that I really wanted to find a way to help them out, especially during this cold holiday season.   As I was leaving the meal center just the other day, one of the organizers mentioned, that they (the meal center) wish they had some coats to hand out......which gave me the idea to host a coat drive.  

HOW: If you are interested in donating a coat please contact me by:

e-mail: Rebecca.McCabe1@gmail.com 

Your donation is greatly appreciated, and will really help make a difference in the lives of many.  It’s the perfect time of year to clean out those closets and donate those unused coats. I look forward to hearing from you.  Thanks so much.   


  Rebecca McCabe                 

Turkey Day.....Fast Approaching

          "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

     Well, well, well!!!  I know it's been a while since my last post, so I suppose there should be lot to share....however, the New England weather brings an early winter meaning that most charity events have/are coming to a close for the season.  I haven't participated in anymore walks/runs since my last post, but I will be completing one more event before the season (in my eyes) officially ends; it's a 10K run, the Ninth Annual THANKS 4 GIVING 5K Run/Walk and 10K run on Thanksgiving, to bring awareness to Ending Domestic Violence.  While I know that this is not one of the personal causes that I have been raising awareness or money for, I still believe that this is a great cause.  Furthermore, seeing as one my goals by May is to complete a half-marathon, I think that this will be a good training event.  While I had to take a little break from my running routine during my clinical rotation, I have been able to get back on track, and I think that this 10K will be a wonderful way to test myself (as far as how well my training is working).
     Also, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am able to give thanks for having such loving family and friends in which domestic violence is not an issue, and I am able to give support to those who unfortunately are living in these conditions. There is no donation page, however if you are interested in donating to the Alternative House (Raising money for Victims of Domestic Violence) feel free to let me know.  Money raised goes towards: Laundry detergent, band-aids, cereal, bread, milk, diapers, sheets, pillows, shoes, and funding woman and children for a nights at the emergency safe-home. They are also collecting supplies (paper products and diapers) to donate to the house, if you would like to contribute in a different way.  You can find out details about the walk by visiting: http://www.thanks4giving.org/.  With this event being on Thanksgiving, all participants will be receiving pies at the completion of race......how befitting.  Following the race, I have decided to spend Thanksgiving evening volunteering at the meal center.  Volunteering on thanksgiving has always been of interest to me, I just had never put my thoughts into action.....but this year has been about a "new me!"  Seeing as I've already been volunteering at the meal center, I didn't have to find a place to search....I just signed up.  Over these past 2 months I have been able to reflect on all that I'm thankful for in my life.  While it may seem that the run, and the volunteer work are about giving back to others, they are also about my realization of how thankful I am.....thankful that I have the ability to run, and thankful that I am able to help serve others, and still be able to come home to a dinner.  I look forward to sharing with you my Thanksgiving experiences.
     Now, for some updates about my volunteer work.....well to sum it up, I LOVE IT!!!  I have met so many wonderful people there; both fellow volunteers and individuals coming in for meals.  Since volunteering regularly on a weekly basis, I have become familiar with the people coming in....in fact, I have received some compliments from the tables I've been serving....."we have the best worker of the bunch."  One of the fellow volunteers has re-named it at the scoop kitchen (due to the fact I seem to be getting a lot of numbers from people coming in for meals)....it's all in fun.  I've also learned that the beginning of the month tends to be slow, because people typically get money then, and at the end of the month the meal center is packed.  The last week in October we had people lined up around the building waiting for meals.  Volunteering here has really made realize what a privilege it is to get to have choices in what we eat.  The meals they serve are great, however individuals coming in don't get to pick up a menu and order what they want, meals are set for the most part, and if you don't like what's being served, or have an allergy there aren't many alternatives.  Furthermore, being on the east coast I really realize what an impact the weather has on peoples lives.  While I may complain that I am cold (even after being bundled up in my huge snow coat, and boots, and standing outside for maybe 15 minutes), there are people who don't have the luxury of heavy winter gear, and being able to cuddle up in a warm house or bed.
     On one last note, I wanted to let you all know about I book that I just purchased, called SOULPANCAKE, by Rainn Wilson (from The Office).  While I have not read it yet, I was able to listen to Regis and Kelly this morning, who were taking about this book......a lot of self-reflection it seems...."Questions for you to chew on."  Two questions in the book that they talked about on the show, had me racing to Barnes and Noble to purchase it.....a question that makes you think about living life to fullest everyday minute....."If you had one hour left to live, how would you spend it," and a second question that really just made me think..."List 5 non-physical characteristics, that are attractive to you"...all too often we focus on the physical aspect of others!  While I am not able to recommend the book in its entirety quite yet (since I haven't read it through), if these type of questions intrigue you, it may be something you may be interested in exploring.
     Alright, well I want to wish you all a Happy Turkey Day in advance.  Hope you all enjoy some R&R and take the opportunity to enjoy all the people you are sharing this day with.  I look forward to sharing with you the details of my Thanksgiving, and my new endeavors.  Take care, and as always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 Bec