Autumn

"Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day..."

As Vizzini pointed out, Plato and Socrates were morons; but Pink Floyd and Blue Öyster Cult have certainly created lyrical philosophy of epic magnitude. I recognize and applaud their contributions, and give them credit for guiding my generation to some of history's greatest accomplishments. Without the twin influences of "Money" and "Godzilla", I'm pretty sure the microwave pizza would never have been invented.

But ideology aside, the line I've quoted above no longer applies to my life in any way. When I was in my 20s, I remember approaching countless weekends by wondering what I'd do to entertain myself...how I'd plan my hours to avoid the specter of endless boredom. I went on trips. I performed my own oil changes and washed my car frequently. I even joined a motorcycle gang for a while.

Alas, times have changed. I do not remember the last time I had a "dull day". Oh sure, I've been in dull meetings at work, and have had conversations with dull people...but a dull day? I don't see it ever happening again. There's too much on my plate. There may be moments where I'm not exactly having fun, but nothing is dull.

Time flies, too. The snarling equinox is just lurking just around the corner. So, my question for you today is this: What do you consider to be the beginning of fall?

Is it when the aspen leaves begin to turn? Or is it when you turn your thermostat from "cool" to "heat"? Is it the first official NFL game? Or the baseball playoffs? Or is it the first day you need a sweater while you're waiting for the pool to open up for swim practice? Let me know what signals the new season for you -- I'll post the results here in a future entry.

In the meantime, I'm sure we'll have another heatwave at some point. But I'm certainly enjoying the respite from the constant perspiration (especially after suffering the humidity in Kansas). The moments may be ticking away, but I'm having fun. I hope you are, too.