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