fall y'all

If there is one thing that F. Scott Fitzgerald had, it was a way with words.  And there are few things I love in this world than words.  And when words talk about my favorite season, I am totally on board with it.  This quote from The Great Gatsby is a beautiful little reminder.  And I truly do believe that autumn gives you the chance to turn over a new leaf - no pun intended.  So, have a Pumpkin Spice Latte today.  I know I will.

1998

This week, I parked at the only open meter spot on UT's entire campus.  This was it's number.  1998. National Champions. Go Vols.

Last night, I watched the ESPN Film "The Book of Manning".  For anyone that knows even a little bit about me, I love me some Peyton - and the whole Manning clan for that matter.  And although this story was centered around the glorious sport that is football, it was more about family.

I've been blessed with an incredible family: parents who love and support me unconditionally, a brother who makes me laugh harder than any person on this earth, grandparents who never miss a single part of my life, aunts and uncles who offer listening ears and wise advice, and cousins that are more like siblings than anything else.

Today, I am feeling tremendously blessed.  Because God has used unusual things to remind me how fortunate I am.  Because, even on rough days, I have more to be thankful for than to complain about.  Because smiles can come in the most unexpected places - like a number on a parking meter.

It's gonna be GOLDEN.

Today, I reflect on my first couple weeks of 23-dom.  I must say, I'm a fan of this age thus far.  A few days ago, I celebrated my birthday in the best of ways - simply.  People all day long made me feel loved with gestures that were thoughtful and kind.  Nothing was extravagant, but they were the type of things that I will talk about to anyone who will listen for years to come.  Here's to a year full of chasing sunsets and dancing the night away on boat docks.  I mean, really, what more could a girl ever want?

P.S. 23 on the 23rd - aka golden birthday. aka it's gonna be a good year. aka go vols.