Happy new year! No, I haven’t lost track of the calendar. It’s just that this time of year has always seemed like the natural time for beginning new work. I suppose it’s a holdover from my many years of school, but the first Tuesday after Labor Day feels like time to buckle down, get back to work and get serious about engaging in mental pursuits. You will note this is my first post since early August.
I don’t know about you, but I stink at getting things done in August. It’s too hot and enervating to do much outside here in Washington. My garden is a weed patch I can hardly stand to look at right now. Half the people I know are gone out of town, so not a whole lot happening on the social or work fronts. Everyone seems happy to say, “Let’s get together in September.” I know I put off plenty of projects until this time of year.
Now here I am, with no more excuses for procrastination. But that makes it sound like I’m sorry it’s September, and I’m not. I’m really glad to be looking forward to fall’s cooler weather and to the renewed energy I feel when it’s not so darn hot outside. I’m looking forward to my winter clothes (partly because I’m bored with all my summer ones right now!). I always get way more writing done in the autumn and winter months than I do in spring and summer when I only want to be outside and let my brain atrophy while my body runs the show.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. The whole city of Washington steps up its energy after Labor Day. Suddenly election seasons are close at hand. Congress comes back into session. The beltway traffic worsens noticeably as all those cars come back from summer vacations. Whether or not this month has meaning for you as the beginning of school (for yourself or your kids) I hope you can also enjoy the feeling of having a chance at a fresh start. I know I will.
