Fall

I feel like beginning with a comment like "Good grief, where did August go?", but it is starting to seem like I say something like that every time I write... so I'll try to refrain. Yes, it does feel like the summer flew by, and though it is officially not fall until September 21st, fall has arrived in England. Our weather has been cooler and cloudier for the last couple weeks, sunrises are getting later, and sunsets are getting earlier. It sounds like I am complaining, but I'm really not... just making observations. Driving to work the other day, I noticed orange tints in the leaves of trees lining the road, which was absolutely beautiful with the sun glinting through.

Another positive aspect of fall... FOOTBALL!!! :-D I am so super-excited for the college football season, and it starts this Saturday! I have been watching NFL preseason for the last couple weeks, even though I don't really care about the NFL, just because it is football (and there are some PSU alumni to watch). Penn State's opening game this Saturday is against Youngstown State, who is not even a Division I team. This is a good thing, because I will be in Spain and unable to watch the game, so I am happy to be fairly confident we'll start out with a W. The next week, Sep 11th, is the big test... we're playing #1 Alabama! I'm excited but also nervous about this, especially since I just invited about 20 people over to my house for a tailgate party that day to watch it. It will be a good time, I'm sure... it would just be so much more awesome if we could pull out a win!

This weekend was pretty low-key, which was nice after taking a trip to London during the week with a friend who had family visiting. We ate at the original Hard Rock Cafe and visited the Beatles studio on Abbey Road... even got a picture crossing the street at the famous crosswalk! (I don't have the pic now, or I'd post it). One thing I accomplished today was finally posting Paris pictures... here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=482483&id=701905001&l=8c2e92ada8 I have more from Lisa's and my adventures in England, but will post those another day... figured one album was a good step forward. :)

This should be a pretty busy work week, since my boss is TDY so I'll be running things at the office. There is some training to take care of tomorrow, plus we are getting a new squadron commander on Thursday, so there will be plenty of events surrounding the changeover. On top of that, I have some car issues to deal with (with both cars, unfortunately). On the bright side, it is looking more like I will get to go to Spain for Labor Day weekend (has been in question due to a possible TDY for my travel buddy). Should know for sure by tomorrow, so I can't wait to make final plans! For now, it is bed time for me...

Good List:
1. My college roommate Jamie had her first baby!!! :-D SOOO happy for Jamie, Ben, and baby Alexis!
2. Catching up with geographically separated friends.
3. Homemade lasagna. Not mine, unfortunately, but I got to enjoy it :)
4. Forgiveness. Getting it and giving it.
5. Concert tickets. I will get to see three awesome bands in the next three months, including my two favorite bands of all time!
6. 6 days until College Football begins!!!
7. Yahtzee. Why is rolling 5 dice over and over again so much fun? ;-)
8. Slippers and sweatpants on a cool evening.
9. Living in England. Pretty sure I take this for granted entirely too often.
10. Sleeping in.