Fantastic Things about Autumn

Maybe it is the heat, the obnoxious bright sun, the monotony of my work schedule, or some combination of all of these things, but I want/need depleting levels of green, about a 20 degrees drop in the temperature, and some academic-related chaos. It is my belief that with the large exception of my dad, the elderly, and people who have not experienced Autumn/Fall before, everyone really loves this upcoming time of the year. At least, this is the rumor I've been hearing.

I've always felt there was something really intense and rude about the extremes of both summer and winter. In the case of summer, the heat and brightness has always been really offensive to me physically. In fact, being an actual poor college student, it is nearly unbearable. Obviously it is survivable because it is now August and I have lived through two heat waves without air conditioning. (Also, in one 24 hour period, I even lived with limited quantities of water. Thanks, City of Madison!). And, Winter is not much different here. The most important (read: obvious) difference is instead of being impossibly hot and humid, it is just cold and dry for about five straight months. Still bright during winter. Sensitive eyes are not in favor of this!

And, I think this is why Autumn/Fall (and Spring, I guess) ends up being so perfect! It is a healthy medium in temperature, but it also happens to be associated with a lot of my favorite things. I hope you want to hear about them because leggo!

1. Weather.

As previously mentioned, winter and summer are not favorable to my body, especially my eyes. But seriously, my whole body hates both. Too bright. Too hot/too cold. Autumn in Wisconsin usually only lasts for about two months, but it is two months of perfect weather. There is the occasional cool breeze and even with the sun out, it will almost never get past 70 degrees. Also, rain. Let us just take a moment to think about rain because it deserves that sort of respect. Now let me tell you something fantastic about rainy weather. There are obviously so many wonderful things about it but my favorite thing is that it is not snow. Can we all just appreciate that?

2. Clothing.

This is somewhat related to weather because it really relies on outside conditions. While pretty much everyone who knows me, including my parents unfortunately, are well-aware of my dislike of pants, I can certainly tolerate them if it means I am able to wear about 80% of my wardrobe. One of the best things about this time of the year is how flexible I can be with my outfits. In summertime, it is too hot to wear anything other than shorts/skirts, tanktops, or the occasional t-shirt. In winter, it is too cold to not have pants or thick tights on at all times. In Autumn/Fall, however, I get to mix and match pieces from these seasons, which is essentially giving me more bang for my buck. Lame phrase? I'll never use it again. Promise.

3. Music/Movies.

This seems to be a less obvious thing to associate with Autumn/Fall, but I always do, especially the movies part. There are a few reasons it is a smart to schedule a release date during this time of the year. Reason #1: You will make the cut for the upcoming award shows. Better yet, by the time the Academy Awards roll around no one is going to remember the 'Blockbuster' from April because everyone is excited about the one just released in November. BAM. Good job! Reason #2: People like going to movies with their families. While Christmas/Hanukkah are Winter holidays, Thanksgiving is property of the perfect season. Better yet, there is less to do in celebrating Thanksgiving. It is essentially one day, and then you are stuck with each other Friday - Sunday. It seems Hollywood figured this out and usually will have a few gems released right around this time.

Music I honestly love year-round, but I have found a lot of my favorite artists usually tour at the end of summer or very beginning of Fall/Autumn. By the time they reach anywhere near Wisconsin it is usually October or November. Thanks, bands I like! This is clearly not a coincidence or anything!

4. Food

While technically Winter allows me to make all of these things without dying in a boiling hot kitchen, I choose to attribute all of my favorite foods to my favorite time of year because I make them non-stop out of excitement. For the two to three months prior, I am living off cold fruits, sandwiches and sometimes steamed vegetables. So when it starts to be cool enough for me to make beef stew, you better believe it is a weekly event. I'd make this particular dish daily if I had the time, but alas I have a life! Other meals I love that summer prevents me from enjoying: tuna casserole, spaghetti, homemade chicken noodle soup, spinach lasagna, and just about baked anything.

So, I mean, I guess my point is that there are some really fantastic things associated with Fall/Autumn - most of which are due to the mild, kind weather conditions. Big high fives for the best sixty days of the year! You done momma proud.

xo - MS, oak