Don't you love Portland in the fall?

One of my favorite lines and scenes in 'You've Got Mail' is; "Don't you love New York in the fall"? I keep repeating this in my head this week, changing it to; " Don't you love Portland in the fall"? 

Something about the old city streets with the giant Maples and Oaks dropping thier leaves of color, painting the streets with golds and reds. 

The air changes too. It becomes crisp with a sweet taste. 

The sounds of squirrels and birds preparing for winter, combine with the crunching of leaves under your feet. 

Fall begins the time of being cozy and drinking tea. Watching the world change from green to gold, to winter bare. 

Don't you love Portland in the fall? 

XC = :)

One of the perks of having a sporty spice niece is that it introduces me to events I never thought I'd have to learn about. Tap. Irish Dance. Track. Soccer. Now we get to enter the world of Cross Country. Since this is Emma's Senior year it may be surprising that she is tackling a new sport, but the reason is there. 

In the words of my sister: 

"Two weeks ago Emma tried out for soccer. She has played since she was 5. Was team captain her freshman year, made JV her sophomore year. Junior year she was a JV/Varsity swing player. This year, her senior year, she was one of two players to be cut. The reason? She didn't have the club soccer experience. Instead the coach put 7 incoming freshman on varsity because they were better and had the club experience he loves. But in Oregon if you don't play on varsity you don't play. You can't play on a JV team.  Needless to say it was very upsetting and a total shock to Emma and to those that know and love her. Instead of sitting around being sad, Emma decided to join the cross country team. This morning she finished in the top ten of her particular race. We are so proud of her. She is an example of trying new things, not giving up and not letting this ruin her senior year". 

I've been to two meets now and my thoughts... It's like Frosted Flakes ... "They're Great"! Everyone laughs, yells for their runner, cheers for other runners, traipse through the course to watch the different points.... It's fun all around! 

Four of the Top Ten of Novice Division! 

Eliza and Emma

Emma and Alli

Focus

Determination 

Perseverance 

Changes

I have been contemplating change and the effects it has for the good and bad. 

Last fall I made a huge change and moved myself to Portland Oregon, started a new job, and settled in to see how the changes would mold me. 

I love being near my family! It's a true rewarding joy to know that I can see them pretty much as often as I want. Soccer games, track meets, cheer practice and competitions, cross country meets, movie dates, lunch, dinner.... Love every minute of it! 

The job has been harder. I have met amazing and inspiring people and learned new techniques and procedures. It has also introduced a new level of exhaustion with the erratic scheduling and still working nights. I am however making another change soon and starting day shift in a few weeks. 

The change to day shift has brought on a run of ideas and contemplations. From starting yoga and exploring more to just finally getting myself back on a regular sleep pattern. 

To achieve this "new me" I have been thinking about motivation. What motivates me? What can get me inspired to be the best me possible? What can help me tap that inner true potential? 

Suggestions anyone? What motivates and inspires you? How do you stay focused on these to reach your potential?