I've been doing a lot of journaling lately and reminiscing on the past and growth I've obtained over the last two years. I decided that part of this whole "new year, new me" was to actually jot down my thoughts and feelings on a blog for others who may or may not be going through similar things in their life could read. Instead of a "new year, new me" I'm going more for a "new year, let's reflect" sort of vibe. So starting off the year I can't think of anywhere else I'd want to begin then with the person who started it all. Thinking back I owe a lot of that strength and growth over the years to this man. Grandpa. It's almost been two years now and every time I think of home, I think of you.
I know people look at me funny and think I'm this crazy girl that's obsessed about Kentucky. Kentucky football. Kentucky basketball. Kentucky horse racing. Kentucky Ale-8. Kentucky Bluegrass. The list goes on.. But when I think about home. And I think about this wonderfully over-populated small town I got to grow up in. I feel relief.
Lexington, Kentucky was the bubble I have lived in for practically my whole life. It's where I went to grade-school. Where I played soccer. Where I danced. Where I got a concussion (or 2). Where my family always was. Where holidays happened and birthdays were never forgotten. And always started promptly at 6 but never ended until the sun came up in the morning. Where I got in my first accident. My first boyfriend. My first breakup. Etc. Etc.
When I wear clothes or talk about Kentucky. It's not because I'm obsessed with blue (although it does compliment my eyes). Or sports. Or even KY for that matter. It's more than just that. It's the big picture.
It's listening to grandpa's voice on the radio or sitting on the floor of a UK basketball game listening to Coach Cal keep the boys in line. It's betting all your money away at Keeneland and then stuffing your face at Malones with a Lexingtonion salad after. It's playing corn-hole in the yard whether you wanted too or not. It's watching dad pour a cold glass of bourbon while making fresh beer cheese on the stove. It's watching the sun set over the horse fields and picking out the richest farms based on the fence and barn colors. It's going for a drive with your best friends and ending up in Harrodsburg or Paris, KY & not knowing how you got there but knowing all you have to do is take one of the multiple Lexington Rd.'s to get back. Its ice skating downtown after you've ate way too much at Saul Good's. It's sneaking in and out of Dunbar through the theatre door so you won't get caught and calling your mom when you occasionally do (I never did that.. I promise ;). It's calling your aunt, your uncle, your cousin, grandparents just to see if their home before you just show up for dinner. It's the Wayne-zone. The bell-boys. The perfect Bell grandkids we are supposed to be. It's walking around town and running into every single person you went to high school with and their mother who also knows your cousin's cousin. It's laughing at the foreigners who can't pronounce Louisville right. It's still hating Christian Laettner even though it was before you were born. It's simplicity.
When I wear a Kentucky shirt. Sweatshirt. Pants. Whatever it may be. This is what I'm thinking of. I'm thinking of the place I get to call home for the rest of my life no matter how far I roam. The city that welcomes me with open arms and homes to stay in since I don't physically have one. It's simple. Kentucky is more than a state. Its home. And thanks to you Grandpa, it always will be.
From Georgia to you Gramps... Goodnight and be good Sports, fans.
-- Lex --