in between molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide

(Weezer)

October arrived a few days ago and it was like fall was suddenly inexplicably upon us. Sure, there had been little changes for a week or so... the heat wasn't quite so humid, the light was a tiny bit whiter, it was actually kind of cool in the mornings... But then it rained for five days. Hot, humid, sheets of grey rain. Friday got here, the first day of October, and it's like the Florida weather took a massive dose of Prozac. It's so beautiful, I just want to lay outside and bask. And for those of you unfamiliar with Florida's version of fall... It's about 75 this morning but it'll get to 84 or 85 today, totally clear blue skies, light breeze, low humidity. Perfection.

I had several thoughts on Friday morning... "It's one year exactly until our wedding and I hope that it's equally beautiful a year from now". (Thank to the Weather Channel's "My Wedding" page, I know that it hasn't rained on October 1st since 2007. So, I'm hopeful.) Also, "Holy crap, I can't believe I'm getting married in a year!" And, "It's October? How did it get to be October? Wasn't it just June?"

My Mom actually called me first thing Friday morning because it's what she likes to call "my weather" outside. Even though I say summer is my favorite season- and in a lot of ways it is- fall is what always made me feel energized and excited as a kid. Teddi mentioned in her blog the other day that fall is "the start of everything new". I totally agree. After this long hot summer, I have never been more ready for fall and everything it brings. It's been a breath of fresh air, literally. It makes me want to open all the windows in the house, even though it really isn't quite cool enough for that yet. I can't wait for Sundays with football on in the background and all the windows open and the house full of people. And picking out pumpkins and Christmas trees. And sweaters and boots and jeans. And drinking warm drinks. And watching the Macy's Day parade with my Dad. And driving with the windows down.

This week-end has been full of nothing and yet totally glorious. I went to the library and came out with an armful of cookbooks. I really love the library, all the infinite possibilities. Especially when I'm not working in it. I went to the gym. Yoga has been really good for me. I worked on homework and felt mildly accomplished. I took Sam to the dog park. J and I had Friday night pizza and then split an ice cream cone. I dug out the Halloween decorations. This is what I love about the holiday season, about fall in general... it's so full of ritual and routine and small little moments. Today will be spent finishing up some homework, meeting a friend for coffee, running some errands and doing some stuff around the house and blogging. I have a lot of things that I've been meaning to sit down and talk about for awhile... and today I'm taking the time to get it all out.