Top things I learned in October

I’m not 17- thank goodness!

Going to a few different things at the high school and hanging out at my mom’s house with my younger siblings, I’m happy to report I’m no longer in high school. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it while I was in it, but having perspective, I’m really glad I’ve grown out of it. I’m also pretty sure you couldn’t pay me to go back.

 Apple orchards are not just for kids (or apples)

For some reason when I agreed to go to the apple orchard to help chaperone a birthday party I thought the little girls weren’t going to be entertained long as they would tire easily of the apple-picking venture. But there was so much more than apple picking at the orchard; there were pumpkins, horses to ride, craft shops to browse, hay rides, photo opportunities, farm animals to pet … so much to do! They were entertained, and so was I. It was a good way to start the month.

 I’m not as domestically deficient as I thought

This October I managed to do more with pumpkins than I ever have before. They’re not major things that most people would be bragging about, but for me – they’re gold-star moments. I baked a pumpkin pie one weekend and baked and ate pumpkin seeds for the first time too. Gourds are fun (and have more uses it turns out.)

 I’m still in love with the old country

Looking for some extra towels in the hallway closet, I came across a tub full of all my Europe things – photos, souvenirs, maps, wrappers, journals, notes, tickets, travel goodies, and who knows what else. I looked through it all with some serious envy of myself. Though the trip was months long, I wish I was still there, or would have at least been back by now (I went in 2006.) I’m not sure exactly what the lure is, but it’s strong and I wish I could make time to go back.

 It’s beginning to look a lot like ChristmasI love the Christmas season, the lights, the decorations, the music, the peppermint smell, the crisp air, the clean snow, the candles, the mistletoe, all of it. But I love it in the season, not in October. I know this is not a new complaint, but seriously, I don’t need to know about lay-away options at a store, get stocking candy, find a new outfit or think about getting gifts before Thanksgiving, before Halloween! That’s just out of control to me. I want to enjoy the season, but when it starts earlier I’m afraid I’ll just get stressed out about it. Anyone else think so?