Looking Back on Summer 2007

Today in Wisconsin, it officially feels like fall. The air is cool and crisp, with hints of amber colored leaves blowing and moving below my feet. I stepped outside as the dawning sun hung lower than it has the previous few months, and I held my jacket closer to my body as I ran to my car to begin my morning commute. It was chilly, but a good chilly. The kind that makes you anticipate the coming months of crunching leaves, deep browns and oranges, and pumpkins sitting proudly at the doorsteps of neighborhood houses. I love autumn. Everything about it really. That is, everything except the fact that Winter is just around the corner.

I hate Winter.

Through my love for Autumn, I also hold a small place of remorse for the passing of Summer. That time of year when the sun shines brighter, the children laugh louder, and the idea of a front porch and a vodka lemonade never sounded sweeter. With the coming of Autumn, comes the end of Summer, and although I look forward to the coming months, I can't help but reminisce about what the last four have brought to me, and be thankful for all that I have been given so far this year.

Thank you Summer 2007, for giving me:

The chance to finally meet Tara's mom...too many years later
The Girls Next Door on DVD
My very first fishing license, followed by my very first fishing experience
My Barbie fishing bobber
The "On Your Honor Box"
An introduction to the amazing music of Jon Hainstock
A cure for my fear of flying
...lots of wine
The mountains of Utah
The ability to save
and a $300 a month savings on my loan payment
The Grand Ol Opry
A new lifelong friend
Golf
My new apartment
A sitemeter and google ads for my blog
The knowledge that thunder doesn't come from clouds crashing together
A 14 hour motorcycle ride through South Dakota
Runs by the lake
Walks by the lake
Get togethers with old, dear friends

It's Going To Be a Bright Sunshiny Few Hours

This morning I stepped outside, rounded the corner to my tiny little convertible waiting patiently on the road in front of me, and for the first time in days…put on my sunglasses. After days and days of rain I awoke to sunlight…and it was fabulous! I have a feeling my moment will be short lived as the forecast calls for more rain as the day progresses, but for right now I am overjoyed at the fact that the sun has finally showed it’s face. It was greatly needed let me tell you! There are only so many gloomy days that I can handle before my mood begins to take a quick downward spike towards depression.

Spring Has Sprung

Today, officially marked the first day of spring...in the book of Christi anyways. The sun was shining brightly, and the warm breeze begged southeastern Wisconsin to come out and play. Along the roads, convertables flew by with their tops pulled down (including my own) and motorcycles rumbled by each other giving nods and waves of recognition at the comodarie that a motorcyle represents on the open road. On the sidewalks, children pedaled by dressed in their bathing suits while dog owners happily walked their "best friend" amidst the sound of what can only described as, the sound of Spring.

I think we're really lucky here in Wisconsin, although during the winter months, we may not be able to see that luck manifest itself. But without those cold, grueling winter months, we wouldn't enjoy these warm spring days as much as we would. They would become just one more thing in the world that gets completely taken for granted of: like walking, or blinking!

While I can't say I would complain if I suddenly were forced to move to San Diego and enjoy 75 degree days while sipping fruity drinks on the beach, I can say that for the time being I truly enjoy living where I do. With the seasons constantly changing, we constantly have something to look forward to. And thanks to the snow and the freezing cold we've endured lately, I couldn't be more excited for what this 80 degree Sunday has brought us.

A First Taste of Spring

The thing I've always loved most about living in the Midwest is the ever changing seasons. We get a little bit of everything (some a little more than others): our Summers are hot, our Springs are mild, our Autumns are crisp and colorful, and our winters are white and brutally cold. It's a nice balance in life, which I am a firm believer in. But occasionally, the seasons tend to drag on a bit longer than is wanted.

Such is the case with Winter.

By mid-February I am fighting the cold, and begging for warm air. The green grass, and the jacket-less days cannot come fast enough once Winter is upon us, and I welcome the first spring-like day with wide open arms.

While today is nowhere near Spring-like, it has a Spring feel in the air...a smell of what's to come if you will. It's funny how a simple scent can remind you of so much. I walked out of my apartment early this morning, and an instant smile came upon me as the hint of Spring lingered in the air. Suddenly I was brought back to days off of school with my mom, Freshman year track practices, and spring walks around downtown Chicago.

I love the first spring day with the Cabby top down, blaring music through the speakers, and jamming with my oversized sunglasses on. I like the Spring bounce in people's steps, the sound of snow melting and running down the street, and the first glimpse of new life budding on the trees around me. I love the hope of spring, the new life, the fresh start. It's coming! I'm so excited.