Waiting on fall

How the hell did October get here so quickly? October is easily one of my favorite months, but I have a really hard time wrapping my head around the fact that it's here.

For starters, it's still crazy hot out. Ben & I realized yesterday that our apartment complex's pool has been closed for the season, which — in theory — would make sense. It's officially fall, and it's October, one would expect pools to close. Except it's been in the mid-to-upper 90s all week.

I'm actually not letting myself fully engage with my favorite staples of fall until the cool weather arrives. We went to Trader Joe's yesterday and I was tempted to buy pumpkin bagels and spiced apple cider, but it just doesn't feel right when wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt.

It's supposed to cool down here within the next week or so, and for that, I'm grateful. The wonderful thing about fall is the beauty that comes with the change — leaves falling, cooler weather. I want that! I want to drive a little out of the Queen City and go apple picking. I want to decorate our apartment for Halloween and have a constant smell of cinnamon in every room. I want to wear sweaters and drink hot cider outside without breaking a sweat. I've loved summer — it brought many wonderful things. But the calendar says October, it's officially fall, and I would like for it to feel that way, dang it!

I guess in the meantime, I'll enjoy the last of my summer outfits, and the warmth of the long days as they start to get shorter and shorter. Before long, it'll be cool out. And not too long after, the leaves will have fallen, our Christmas decorations will be put up and then taken down, and I'll be sitting here reflecting on how I can't wait for flowers to bloom and for the eventual start of spring.