The first weekend of September

September has always been my favorite month. Mostly because it's the start of fall, but now because it's our anniversary month and, typically, it's slower than the summer months. But being in Alabama, not only is it still dreadfully hot, it's also the start of the craze, the hype, the insanity that is college football. Being an Alabama fan (ROLL TIDE), this month marked an even more momentous occasion - the beginning of Nick Saban's reign as head coach for the Tide.

Yeah...blah blah blah.

I am most definitely a fan of college football, and do claim the Tide as "my team", but can I just tell you...I'm not anywhere NEAR the insanity we endured last Saturday in Tuscaloosa for the opening game against Western Carolina. I don't think I've ever seen that much red in one place. Although I do enjoy tailgating (especially when the really drunk people next to us give me free, surprisingly well-made margaritas), I am not one for all the craziness.

Imagine the scene: I'm sitting under an plastic UA tent thing with Paul's aunt and uncle, I'm literally surrounded by American, UA and Rebel flags (on trucks, on tents, flying from their post in the ground, etc.), the familiar yet distinct smells of cigarette smoke (Paul's aunt), grilled food, alcohol, and hot sweat all combined to make an interesting (read: not so great) concoction, and some of the weirdest people I've ever seen. I even have to put up with my husband demanding to drive his truck (even though it's horrible with gas) and listening to classic rock on the radio the entire drive down and back. (Even with my fervent chanting - "I did not marry a redneck...I did not marry a redneck...I did not marry a redneck...") Plus, we got kicked out of our original seats (don't worry, we ended up in better ones...long story...ask if you want to know). But all in all, it was a great day - and we kicked WC's ass.

The weekend had started Friday night with dinner at the Weather's house with Luke and Shana. Jen and Alan and their kiddies have been a part of our church for a while now, but found out recently that they're moving back to Michigan (where they are both from) for Alan's job. As much as we're excited for them (they'll be really close to family), we're saddened too. It's going to be a rough one this Sunday, saying good-byes.

The weekend ended with church and our Worship team retreat overnight at Shocco Springs in Talladega. A good time, but tiring. Learning new songs, poker games, decent food, and fellowship all make for a good time. Although I was tired, and had a bad attitude about it at first (I get crabby), I'm glad Paul and I went. He got some good convo time with Luke, and we learned some great songs that, I think, the church will grow to love. Props to Jason for putting it together.

And now it's Wednesday, I'm still tired, I'm craving Diet Coke like a crack fiend (we gave it up for this month for Paul's niece - ask if you want more details), and this month continues to stay busy. Things to look forward to:

• Hair cut tomorrow (it's beastly at this point)
• Date Night on Friday
• Work Day at church on Saturday, and lunch with the coolest of the Benzes (jk...well, you're cool, but I'm not going to say you're the coolest...you know...)
• Start of the Sex God sermon series on Sunday AM
• My parents coming down next weekend (YAY!)
• A possible quick trip to Destin, FL with Paul's brothers
• Our anniversary (the 24th)
• I preach on the 30th (prayers are appreciated)

Well, that's it for now. Peace out, peeps.