That Time of Year

It's that time of year...the USA Today Coaches Poll was released this week. Now before you become concerned that I'm going to expound on the wonders of college football, you needn't fear. I will comment on the fact the Gators are #23 on the poll, but considering they have a new coach and they didn't bother showing up to play any of their games last year, they're fortunate to even be in the top 25. I am frustrated that FSU is #5. I'll never hear the end of it from the in-laws. Now, I do have a reason to remark on the poll being released. Every August, I'm counting down the days of summer, which is not my favorite season, waiting for the month of September to begin. The coaches poll is a sign to me that fall is around the corner. College football, cooler weather, fall colors, pumpkin decorations and flavorings, new tv season, and this year, my road trip with Mich are within reach. I love preparing for this time of year. This summer has been brutal, with it's heat index in the triple digits for several weeks, and I'm ready for the fall season to begin. So I got a jolt when I saw the coaches poll the other day.

The coaches poll also brings back memories. Four years ago, I graduated from the Leadership Institute the weekend the poll was released and received the phone call that would change my life. Sarai called me to schedule an interview for my current job. So when I see the poll, I recall sitting in the hotel lobby, preparing for the graduation dinner in Tallahassee, listening to my voicemail, and debating if I wanted to truly go through with this interview. Who knew a simple newspaper headline could release so many memories and dreams?