Five on Friday!

I haven't done one in a few weeks, so it's time to play catch-up.

1. Hokie Football is Back -- Last weekend was the Hokies' first home football game of the season.  After an opening-weekend loss to Alabama in Atlanta, I was excited to have my Hokies back in Lane Stadium and see them bounce back.  We smacked Western Carolina 45-3.  I could tell the Hokies had worked hard in practice since the Alabama game.  I was glad to see pass completions and some fantastic blocks, and even a defensive touchdown.  Is classic Beamer Ball back?  This weekend, the Hokies travel to East Carolina, and return to Lane September 21 for a matchup against Marshall.  I can't wait to watch with some of my best friends.  It's going to be a great senior season in Lane with my Hokie football!

Got to hang out with these two awesome kids at halftime!

2. 'Tis the Season for All Pumpkin Everything -- One of my favorite parts about fall is the seasonal food that comes with it.  Apples, cinnamon-y things, and best of all, pumpkin.  This year, Starbucks celebrates a decade of pumpkin spice lattes, and I happily joined in the festivities, with an extra shot of espresso.  I've also made my favorite crock-pot applesauce, and these delicious skinny pumpkin brownies.  They were super easy and are some of the fudgiest brownies I've ever made.  Is "fudgiest" a word?  It is now.  I better keep myself away from Starbucks, or else I'll blow all my money on pumpkin spice lattes!  Fortunately, one of the coffee shops at VT has pumpkin spice coffee as the October flavor of the month.  Meal plan, meet your demise.

3. First Men's Soccer Game -- This year, my friend Jordan and I are making a goal to attend one match or game for every sports team.  Last Friday, we watched our men's soccer team take on Syracuse in their first ACC matchup.  The game ended in a tie, 1-1, and it was super exciting.  I've watched VT soccer once before, but that was two years ago and I didn't remember a whole lot about it.  Fortunately, Jordan played when she was younger, so she explained a lot of the rules and such to me.

And of course, the Hokie Bird made a stop at the game!  Our mascot is just the best.

4. Funny Moment: Eminem at Halftime -- Last weekend, I watched the Michigan-Notre Dame football game (and yes, I still laugh about that hilarious touchdown that should have been a safety).  I was surprised to see Eninem on the halftime report with Kirk Herbstreit and Brent Musburger.  What does a rapper have to do with college football, anyway?  He looked pretty dazed at first, but he seemed to lighten up once Kirk and Brent started talking.  At least they didn't bring up AJ McCarron's girlfriend this time.

5. First Color Run -- If you read my senior year bucket list, you'll remember that I talked about doing a color run this year.  I am happy to say that I will be fulfilling that bucket-list item on October 20 here in Blacksburg!  I signed up for the Color Me Rad 5k and am super excited to do it.  I found a training program online and am planning to stick to it.  I'm not starting completely from scratch, but it's good to have something to hold myself accountable.  I'm sure I'll be more than ready when October 20th comes around!

TGIF, y'all!