May the Hibernation Begin...

The weather is cooling off. The windows have been open more often than not, and I've finally put my "cold weather tunes" playlist on repeat again. This includes Bon Iver, Vampire Weekend, Ben Howard, Postal Service, Penny Hill, Death Cab for Cutie, and of course, George Winston. Haha. No shame, I love "Thanksgiving," what can I say?!

This autumn I've been especially THANKFUL. Not just for material things, but for my network. I strongly believe in surrounding myself with people who lift me up and inspire me. Fortunately, I was born into a network of generous, loving, thought-provoking people. My family. I'll never be able to put into words how much they have been there for me, and I often worry that loving them isn't enough in return.

I fell in love with a man who stands by me through thick and thin, good times and bad. We have been through a lot the past (almost) 8 years, and continue to have life throw us surprises. He's my constant, my rock. And I'm very proud I picked him out, because he and his family are a huge part of my supportive network.

My friends have been around for as long as I can remember, going back to about age 5 or so. They have stood beside me and lifted me up, but most importantly, they have kept me laughing even through rough patches.

I don't have a recent pic of the 4 of us, what's up with that?!
To know more about why I love these ladies, you can click on the links below...
(http://lindsayelise0527.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-i-love-jessica.html)
(http://lindsayelise0527.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-i-love-ashley.html)
(http://lindsayelise0527.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-i-love-erin.html)

The DWC has continued to be a blessing to me. Women that want to improve their lives and the lives around them. Talk about upliftment and inspiration! One in particular has been a mentor to me as I've been working on obtaining non-profit status. She's lived life more than I have, and has lots to share with me. I'm like a sponge soaking up her knowledge. I'm so intrigued by what she has to say, I don't even pause to TAKE a picture of our time together, which is a pretty big deal for me, since I take pictures pretty much everywhere I go.

And even at my job, I have co-workers who help me out OUTSIDE of work, because they WANT to, not because I even have to ask. And I've developed newer friendships as a result of that level of support.

My favorite co-worker, Crystal, surprised me with Target goodies at my desk at the beginning of another surgery day. 

Despite this fantastic support, I've felt more intrinsically inclined than social. I do go through spurts. In high school, I loved socializing as often as possible. When I moved to Oklahoma by myself and embarked on the collegiate journey, I was alone more than I was with friends, and I developed a relationship with myself for the first time. Being long distance with George helped develop this introverted side of myself.

So this autumn, and all through the winter, I'll be spending a lot of time inside our little house, snuggled up with a blanket, sipping hot tea (and/or hot chocolate, depending on which Twin my Gemini personality presents), and thinking about how thankful I am. I haven't been blogging as much as I once did, but I have been journaling. I've become a little more reclusive, which might have been a good thing. My family has always been more private than I have through social media, and I'm starting to get a glimpse of why.

But I must say, as the leaves have been turning color and falling to the ground, preparing for winter, I have also felt a preparation for the next chapter in my life. We are going through many changes around here, and once I know more, I'll share more. Maybe. But until then, I'm enjoying the journey. And unlike the engagement and the wedding, this one feels more appropriate tucked in our little house, and shared with our closest family and friends.

xoxo,

L