PC and the Web: November 2009

When I come to the troubling realization that Halloween has passed and October is officially over, I get upset. It seems more and more these days that people think that fall only lasts as long as October's 31 days, but why? Winter doesn't even officially start until December 21st, just 4 days before Christmas. Seeing Christmas decorations on November 1st, or even earlier, is probably one of the most disheartening things around. Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday season, but please don't rush life for me. Let's slow down for a little bit before we dive right into the holidays. I would like to take this time to share my views on the great month of November.

Yes, NOVEMBER. You know, that month between Halloween and the Holiday Season? I would like to take this time to discuss the great month of November. To a lot of people, November isn't anything special. To me, it is. November spurs on a lot of emotions in people, both good and bad.

The fall foliage just keeps on coming. These colorful appendages of tree limbs continue to adorn the streets. I can't get enough of a street covered in red, orange, yellow and brown. In milder climates, November is where the true color changes take place.

The Football season gets into full swing. I get that the football season has been going on for 2 months now, but by now you know if your favorite team is a dud or a stud. If you're a Vikings or Saints fan, for instance, then you're having a pretty great November. Even if these teams drop the next 9 games, you know that you had a great November. If you're a Redskins fan, like myself, you've come to embrace that old adage, "there is always next season." Emotions abound in November.

There is always some sort of election going on in November. Again, emotions abound. November '08 was a month when overwhelmingly hopeful thoughts filled the air. Virginia was officially a Blue State! November '09 sucks because Virginia is making it's way back to being a red state with the election of a Republican Governor. Elation or bitterness has already revealed itself very early in November.

Shit, it's dark out! By November each year, daylight savings time has already begun. Melancholia sets in as the days become shorter and you're suddenly wondering why it feels like it is 10pm outside when in fact it is only 5:30pm. To this, I suggest you put on a sweater and go have another pumpkin spice latte. To me, this change of mood brings about some degree of sadness but also optimism because of this next reason.

Family. Like it or not you're going to see them, very soon. You've got the all-american holiday Thanksgiving at the end of the month followed quickly by the December holiday of your choice. This is when we're happy to have family, as well as your solitude during the rest of the year. Let's face it, if you're lucky enough to have family then you are lucky enough.

Finally, my brother, sister, and I all have our birthdays in November. Yes, it is a shame that we must get older, but who doesn't love the extra attention?! I know I do.

Well that is the end of my love affair with November. Here is a continuation of fall music. A couple are from earlier mixes. Fall tunes usually abound in sad bastardom, but there are some bright spots here. Enjoy.