Dear October....

 You were a pretty awesome month, but I think you followed the other months by flying by. If I didn't remind myself to stop and smell the flowers often, I would have totally missed the best parts of you. You must have felt sick most of the month, because the temperatures in Jersey were HOT for most of the month. We had a few crisp days, a lot of rainy days and one night where there was a frost warning. You might want to get tested for the Flu or COVID, you might have been sick. 

Early in the month,  I finished my first 8 week session of classes. I ended up taking a day off during finals week to make sure I gave myself extra time to complete everything. I am glad I did that because I felt better going into the weekend; I had my two exams left and I learned an important lesson that weekend. Do NOT take two finals in one day. I spent 3 hours on my Statistics final and 2 on my Accounting final- it was a LOT to do in one day. But I completed both of them (with minimal anxiety) and I was happy with my grades for both the finals (A in Accounting and B in Statistics) and my final grades (A's in both Statistics and Accounting) 

The first 8 week session really made me happy and I felt as if one of missing puzzle pieces of my life,  were finally found. It was definitely hard taking two classes that were super involved but after all was done, I felt super accomplished. I was equally excited for the two week break between sessions too. 

I had big plans to accomplish things during the two week break but what won, most days, was taking time for myself and actually relaxing and not having a schedule to do things. If I didn't feel like doing something after work I previously planned, I didn't do it. I gave myself a lot of grace during those two weeks. 

One thing I did during the two week break was actually sit down and watch TV. I rarely do this and I even more rarely give my full attention to a TV show. For the first time, I watched the premiere of the Bachelorette. I AM HERE FOR THE MESS! Now I really don't have much to compare it to but I loved it. The drama, the men, the thrill. HA! I cannot wait to see how the rest of this season plays out. 

Another great show, I really like is the Masked Singer. Last week, it was not on due to the silly World Series but my mom and I really love it. We love the clue package and we try to guess all the singers. I love the prize for the show is just a trophy and its done just for fun. Also I would be a terrible contestant- not only can I keep a secret, especially one that big but I am pretty sure my singing voice is terrible. HA!

I went for a consultation with an Oral Surgeon two weeks ago for my wisdom teeth. When I saw my dentist last month, he gently suggested that I should think about getting my wisdom teeth out (for the 12 year in a row) and after much thought, I decided to just go for a consultation to see what they had to say. I felt comfortable with the surgeon and after realizing that I cannot have the dentist keep filling cavities in my wisdom teeth. So I made an appointment and its TOMORROW. I am pretty calm right now. I have organized everything that I could at work for the two days I will be out and I am hoping for a quick and easy recovery. **I am accepting all prayers and good vibes for tomorrow! **😊 Yes, Penelope the flamingo will be accompanying me to the surgery. She is excited to be my nurse again. 

Here in New Jersey, the fall foliage is finally starting to show off its beauty. I love seeing the leaves change color and paint such pretty roadside pictures. I am hoping the fall like weather follows suit soon. Another fun thing I have been loving is all the fun Halloween decorations. Some houses really get into the spirit and I, as a fully grown adult with no children, really appreciate it. I am hoping for some trick or treaters on Saturday, but my hopes are not high- we live on a busy street and we maybe get 1 each year. I am hoping a treat bag filled with goodies will entice the trick or treaters. HA!

One final thing before I close, which is probably the most controversial thing ever but ....
I watched my first three (3!) Hallmark and Lifetime CHRISTMAS movies of the season. I know! I know! I know what you are all thinking- Half of you are saying "SAME GIRL! WE LOVE THEM!" and the other half are saying "GIRL, you have completely lost your mind- its not even Halloween yet!" You know, its 2020, its a global pandemic and I am doing what makes me happy. Gosh darn it, watching predicable loves stories that have gorgeous leading men and perfect locations makes me pretty stinkin' happy. HA! I am keeping track of all the Holiday movies I watch this season and I will do a whole post of Christmas movie reviews in December. 

Whew! What an awesome month October was. I started my 2nd eight week session this past Monday and from what I can see, I think it will be slightly easier (I HOPE) this time around. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend of relaxing and lots of Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies.

How was your month? Did anything exciting happen? Let me know in the comments!

 [[I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.- Anne of Green Gables]]

-gabrielle