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8- Another fall favorite is Food! I love food. I love trying new things and going to my favorite places and NOT trying new things too :) Some of my favorite conversations have taken place over the dinner table or over a cup of coffee. I am lucky enough to have a diverse family that offers a variety of food for special occasions. My mother's family is Puerto Rican and they make the BEST rice, pork and because my grandmother is Mexican we also have the best empanadas! Andrew's family is just as gifted and make the most incredible homemade bread, cakes and pretty much anything else. Thursday or better yet Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite holidays for I get to eat in a room of about 30 and hear endless laughter, chatter and love. Oh and we get to enjoy a loaded plate of wonderful food!

7- Because I like to eat, it is a good thing I also like to work out. In the fall, I still play field hockey until the middle of October and I have still been trying to attend Crossfit on Thursdays. I like to run and strength train throughout the week. I like a challenge but I really like variety. I like pushing myself and finding new limits. I do some P90x, plyometric work and interval runs also. Sometimes I look on Pinterest and find a new workout to try! Find something fun you enjoy and do it. I need that 1-1 1/2 hours to myself each day. It refreshes me and motivates me to keep going. Find a partner or find your inner strength and make it happen!

6- I LOVE fun moments at school. This year my Second Grade team was lucky enough to invite our student's parents in for a Readers Theater performance. We were blown away by the turnout. We had about 70 people crammed into the school library which also contained about 60 Second Graders! The students were amazing readers and were so proud of themselves, as they should have been. Afterward, many of the parents came up to me and were so impressed by their child's reading and acting. They also were so appreciative of the teachers for taking time to care enough about allowing them to be a part of such a special event. Later on last night I was in the hair salon with my sister and one of the grandparents of a child in my class was so delighted to hear how much fun he had. She was also awestruck when I told her how sweet this child was and how proud of him I was. She literally almost cried. It's these kind of moments that remind me why I'm here and why I do what I do. Talk about an inspiring birthday! 

5- I love my birthday :) I am not sure how I get so blessed to be surrounded by so many lovely people. From the moment I woke up I was honestly showered with love. My husband made me breakfast, wrote a beautiful card and found a thoughtful gift. I received many texts and over 150 Facebook posts wishing me a happy birthday. I went to work and received cards and wishes. We went to my favorite restaurant for dinner and went back to my in-laws for dessert. I got the CUTEST gifts which I can't wait to wear and use! --I had such a good day. - -It's nice to know how thoughtful people are. I really don't get too excited about birthdays but I must say it is a big deal. You should celebrate yourselves a little. Too many people are not given a life this long and it's our job to enjoy it and to change others lives through ours. God has blessed me with a strong heart that really does have a desire to change the world. I am blessed with family and friends who believe in me and help me, but most importantly they help reflect the love of God. In the words of Joyce Meyer "Eat the cookie, buy the shoes!" 

Celebrate and be celebrated, there's only one of you. 

Thank you all so much.