November

November begins with All Saint’s Day.

Families visit the graves of loved ones, leaving flowers, lighting candles, praying and reflecting on the memories they have left. It’s a special day that is close to the hearts of many.

Then there is the other group of people who enjoy another aspect of this holiday. It gives them an opportunity for gossip. Gossiping with acquaintances or family whom they haven’t seen since the previous year. As usual there are fluffy promises of stopping by for coffee and visiting more often –which never actually happens. They try to inquire about people’s lives, probe and share news that really is of no one’s business.

What I like about All Saint’s Day is how the cemeteries look in the evenings. The flowers and ever-burning fires look amazing. Pictures don’t do the image justice.

November is usually grey, cold and depressing. This year, it has caught most people by surprise –in Poland anyway. It’s sunny and warm. The thermometer reached 15 degrees Celsius which is rather high for this time of year. Last year it was freezing and there was snow. This year it’s the perfect autumn. Golden. For now that is. The weather in this country can change overnight. A week ago it was cold, grey and depressing. I’m hoping the sun will keep up for a few more days or weeks.

So to keep things from getting too dull this month, here are some things I’d like to achieve – running and life related:

1 – Run 150km or more

2 – Complete Warsaw’s Independence Day Run (Bieg Niepodleglosci 11/11)

3 – Weights 2 x week

4 – Pilates/Yoga 1 x week

5 – Stretching 30 minutes x 3 per week

6 – Try a new restaurant in the city

7 – Cook a delicious 2-3 course meal at home for family/friends

8 – Be a tourist for the day in Warsaw (3 years here and I haven’t done this yet)

9 – Have a boot camp day (run, swim, weights, cycle, boxing, skipping, stretch)

10 – Enjoy a body wrap, full body massage and a pedicure

11 – Do something nice for someone without wanting anything in return

12 – Be grateful

13 – Complete National Novel Writing Month and write a 50,000 word novel (I did it last year and really enjoyed the challenge)

What are your goals for November?