Waving good-bye to summer

Ahh, it’s the last week of August, and we’re on a steady march toward Labor Day, the unofficial end of the summer season and starting point of my favorite season, fall! So I thought it was time to take stock with a bit of fun!

Favorite thing about this time of year: The crisp mornings. I’m waiting for the “smell” of fall to make its first appearance! (A close second is the great clothes that come with fall. I love chocolate brown and orange and dark reds. Yeah!)

Top 5 favorite songs from this summer: 1. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol 2. “Nothing Left to Lose” by Mat Kearney 3. “What’s a Boy to Do” by Mat Kearney 4. “La Cienega Just Smiled” by Ryan Adams (not new, just like it!) 5. Josh Ritter’s stuff. . .I can’t explain why I like it. I don’t even know what half of his songs are talking about but I like it!

Favorite fall fashion accessory: BOOTS! I love boots!

Most heartwarming memory: A year ago this time, I was sitting here waiting to hear from my brother. I went to bed watching the Weather Channel worrying about my brother and what time Katrina was supposed to make landfall. I spent a day and a half after the storm unable to reach him. Then nearly two days after the storm, my cell phone rang and it was him. The connection was bad, his voice was scratchy, but it was him and he was OK! He moved home from Louisiana on Labor Day weekend. I’ve never been so happy to see someone in my life!

Best destination from my summer travel: HERE! I’m so happy to be in Nashville for awhile! (at least until October, I’m sure, when I have more work travel!) Russia was surprisingly beautiful and challenging, California was magnificient and tiring, Dallas was HOT! (But there was an IKEA!)

Top 5 favorite restaurants this summer: 1. Baja Burrito–I love Baja! But I fear I can never go back because of the Cesar situation! Oh, Cesar, how I will miss you and your beautiful made-with-love burritos! 2. Moe’s–Sensing a burrito theme here? I love my tex-mex! 3. Mellow Mushroom–umm, pizza! 4. Macaroni Grill–umm, pasta! 5. Sonic–Mindy and I go there a lot. It’s the home of cherry Coke and wonderful ice cream creations!

Most anticipated arrival: My “niece,” Jeanna Smathers! Dawn will be induced tomorrow and she and Daniel should meet their daughter within the following 48 hours! I can’t wait! I’m going to Missouri for Labor Day, so hopefully a trip to Piggot, Ark., will happen so I can meet this little miracle!

Worst movie of the summer: Lady in the Water Mindy and Adam: I am so sorry that I subjected you both to this movie! I really thought it would be good! At least we got some laughs, a really good story with stick people, and some great coffee afterward (well, I think I had coffee in frappacino form. You guys had wussy drinks! I was also the one who couldn’t sleep that night because of consuming caffeine after 9 p.m. When did I get this old?)

Best movie of the summer: I haven’t seen all that many. Pirates of the Caribbean 2?

Favorite hairstyle of the summer: I don’t know. I should post pictures and make you guys vote! Has anyone noticed that my hair just keeps getting shorter and shorter and shorter?

Favorite fall things to look forward to: 1. My birthday 2. The World Series 3. Light at the end of the tunnel of my dad’s harvest season 4. Thanksgiving 5. Leaves that change colors and form a canopy over Hogan Road on my way home from church!

Well, that’s enough for today. I’m sure I’ll something more serious and edifying to post at some point, but today, this is the best you’re getting 🙂