Fall Delights

I have realized I have about 23 different nicknames, especially at work. Here is a list.

Emils (pronounced Emulhs)
Em
Emmy
E Mac (probably my favorite one)
Emma
Emmer
Ems

Ok, that's not 23, but that's a pretty good list.

This weekend is three days! Whoo hoo! Saturday I am going to Johnson City to see my friends Gina, who is about to pop with baby, and Kim, my old roommate. I am pretty excited about it. I miss them so much, since they were two of the most important people in Tennessee Tech days. As they are now of course, but then was just college.... ahhhhh.

And I'll be out of Knoxville on game day, which is a huge blessing since I think UT football is quite possibly the most obnoxious event in the Southeast. The Good Reverend is going on Saturday with Friend Justin, and I'm glad for him, but more glad for me that I will not be in town. He asked if I ever wanted to go to a game this year (or ever again) and I told him the chances were very slim. It takes ALL day long, there are entirely TOO many people there, I think orange is ugly, I don't understand football, there aren't people for me to socialize with, and fans take it toooooo far with their zeal. And its either too hot or too cold. BUT, I will say, it is special to see the team run through the "T" and hear Rocky Top for the first time. (I had to say something nice.)

On the other hand, I want to talk about how much I love fall. Pastor Jack asked me what I loved about fall, and 8 minutes later I stopped my list of what I love. It's beginning to feel and smell like fall... just barely. But just barely is good enough for me after a long, hot summer. It doesn't feel as stifling hot and humid. I have sinus issues. Football is starting, much to my disdain, but it is still fall-ish. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing and I have to get my sweaters and boots out. And the new fall clothes are really cute too.

I have started a few new things this season. I only have one class, which will not amount to much but will be interesting when I'm there, and it's only on Mondays. So... I have started a few new things.

• I have a few books going, A Tale of Two Cities and How to Read Literature Like a Professor. We've already established that I am a nerd.
• I have started to knit. (I did a few years ago and then re-learned the other day.) I am currently making a dishcloth. Expect knitted things for Christmas!
• I have started to tutor reading at Alcoa Middle School. Always a delight to see 8th graders read (insert Zoolander comment).
• I have started a new strength training/aerobics class on Wednesday mornings (still sore...).
• And finally, I will be starting a Bible study at church on Judges and Ruth. AND Buddy Odom's Bible study that Jack and I go to will start up again.

See, fall is so exciting. I love the beginning of a new season. I definitely take after Mom in that way. She loves new things to start and have a fresh outlook on old things. Mom is awesome. So encouraging.

So with all my new ventures, I think I can endure the next 3 1/2 months at WVLT. Thank you Jesus for new seasons and for fall!