happy new year!

I know what you're thinking, it's not January. But in my little world, September is the start of a new year for two important things to me - the Saints and the Junior Service League of Beaufort.

We were home this weekend to attend the Saints home opener. It is the best day of the year - when you're still undefeated and the hopes of a Superbowl seem oh so real. You arrive to your section and hug the guy who's sat in front of you for six years. You don't know his last name, or even what he does when is isn't spending time sitting in his seats, but you share a love for your team that runs deep. He was there to celebrate the reopening of the dome. He shed a tear with you when Deuce moved the pile to get the first down against Philly that sent us to the NFC championship. And that's the thing about the start of a new season, strangers come together and under the roof of the dome they are united in their love for their team and their city. And our boys didn't disappoint. Drew was spectacular, as was Mike Bell. The defense was much improved. Overall, a good performance, but they have a few things to clean up. Can't wait till Sunday!

We flew back to beaufort today, and I had my first junior league meeting of the new league year. It was so exciting to see all of our amazing members. We have such a great year planned and will be doing so much good here for our community. My friend Lauren and I are the co-chairs of the ways and means committee. We have a big job ahead of us, but we got such an amazing response tonight from our members. Our committee is shaping up so nicely. I have no doubt that we will be successful in continuing to make the league an organization that improves the lives of people here. Our committee will have the chance to shape the future of our league, a job which we don't take lightly. We can't wait to get started and feel so energized knowing we'll have a great group of women to help us achieve our goal of making the league the best it has ever been!

Here's to a new year!