Hey November!
You were pretty packed and pretty amazing! Lets jump into the highlights shall we?
- Adoption Day
- Crohn's Flare
- Adventures
- Beautiful Sunsets
OKAY! The month started out with a trip to a really yummy restaurant in Red Bank, Gabriella's. It was a great experience - The food, cocktails and service were next level. I wanted to try everything off the menu. We started with cocktails and appetizers then the main course with sides. EVERYTHING was better than the next. On the way to the bathroom, there was a huge mural, it was a large heart made out of fake flowers. I was in awe of it. After eating until we were completely stuffed, we took out leftovers and headed out. As I passed the hostess stand, I spotted something that made me stop and grab it. In a giant fishbowl, there were small boxes that I knew exactly what they were- matches. My parents used to collect matches when they would go out to eat in the '80s. I haven't seen a restaurant do this in a long time and it made me smile.
Early on in the month, I started not feeling great. There was definitely something wrong due to the consistent stomach pains I was experiencing. They started back in October but I didn't think too much of them. I was eating out a lot and I thought my stomach wasn't used to the food. Boy, was I wrong! It got to a point early-ish in November where I was doubled over in pain. I've never had such intense pains before. I've had stomach pains before (hello summer 2018) but this was BAD. I made a doctors appointment and I swore I was going to be admitted to the hospital. I thought something was broken in me. WELL, after the doctors appointment, I realized, this was actually a bad flare and this for a Crohn's patient was normal. Colored me shocked. After some antibiotics and some rest, I was good as new. My doctor and I also agreed that my dosing schedule for Humira should remain at 10 days and not 14 days.
By the end of the month, I was feeling more like my old self.
Adoption day is one of my favorite parts of my job and this year because of the ongoing pandemic, we held it virtually again. I made sure the background behind me was colorful and joyful and we hosted 20 something adoptions in one day. What a special memory for the families right before the holidays.
The day after adoption day, Kyle and I went on an adventure to Sandy Hook. Now, living in New Jersey my whole life, I had never gotten to experience Sandy Hook before. I was pretty excited to see what Sandy Hook had to show me and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Sandy Hook in November is beautiful; let's be honest, going to the beach in the off season, especially in the colder months, is my favorite thing. As we drove through Sandy Hook, we were able to see the old buildings and lots of dunes. We parked and walked to the beach to see the water. What I wasn't expecting was to see the NYC skyline so clearly and it looked SO close. Kyle even commented that its rare to get a clear day.I felt so lucky to be able to see it. Kyle found a shell that had many shells on it.(confusing i know) but think of a science experiment gone wrong.
After we explored more of Sandy Hook, we went to the Chubby Pickle for lunch in the Highlands. When Kyle initially asked me if I wanted to go to the Chubby Pickle, I giggled. It sounded so silly! When we arrived a few minutes later, I realized the Chubby Pickle was a building that was painted green- like a pickle. I couldn't stop giggling. A total locals only type place that served us a great lunch. BONUS: It was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
One morning as I was driving to work, I passed by this waterfront park and the way the sun was rising from behind the trees and it just looked so beautiful, I had to pull over and take a photo of it. As I was taking the photo, a bird flew into the frame to complete such a pretty photo. I can't wait to print it out and frame it. I love those unexpected moments.
After a month, I am happy to say that I am still really enjoying rock climbing. Am I still falling? YES. Do I still have bruises all over my legs? YES! Do I leave the gym each time with a huge smile on my face? HECK YES! This has been such a fun way to workout and share it with Kyle. I cannot wait to see how I progress with this!
Thanksgiving was nice and quiet with my parents. I love our holiday traditions and spending time with my parents. The day after Thanksgiving, we were supposed to take our Christmas Card photo but mother nature had other plans that day. The day was beautiful, and our photo was slated to start an hour before sunset. Just as we were getting ready, the wind picked up. My mom and I looked at each other and started to worry; our photos were outside at the lake. About 10 minutes later, we get a phone call from the photographer, suggesting that we postpone the photos because with the wind, the photos would not turn out well. We agreed and rescheduled the photos for the Tuesday.
We were kind of happy that it got postponed because we realized that we didn't like our outfits. It was definitely a blessing in disguise. Tuesday photo went perfect and we are so excited to see how they turned out. The sunset was moody and the weather was much better. Mom and I are busy scouring Snapfish to pre-pick out the Christmas cards; so when we receive the photos and pick our favorite and then order them ASAP. Christmas is coming quick.
I had the opportunity to catch up with a dear friend during a walk at Double Trouble Park. It was a beautiful crisp day and it was lovely being outside and catching up with her. I love that my area has so many parks and walking trails.
By the end of the month, I was finally feeling better. I was relieved that it was just a flare but in the back of my mind, I wondered why this happened. I hope and pray that this was just a one off event and it doesn't become a thing.
November you were pretty awesome overall. I can't wait to see what December holds for me.
[[Being thankful is a state of mind]]
