I always start these posts at the first of the month and update them as life happens along the way. Heading into October, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the next 31 days. I knew my calendar was beyond busy with life events, but if my mom's quick illness and death taught me anything, it's that life can change in the blink of an eye. Although nothing dramatic happened in our immediate family, we did have some pretty serious things happen to several of our friends, once again reminding me...