The season of fall has so many things to look forward to. The humidity, especially throughout Minnesota, is gone. Photo opportunities among the vivid colors are aplenty. Football season is alive and well once more. The World Series excites many. I could go on and on.
While the positives of the season are endless, we all need to know that the fall season is just a prelude. It is the calm before the storm, if you will. The sun switches places with the moon much earlier than any of us want. And let's face it, with winters that are practically endless, fall feels like a cruel joke of sorts. The beauty of it only lasts for a speck of time.
As it starts to feel a bit cooler out, it is easy to retreat to your homes or rooms to avoid getting a little chill in your bones. However, it is only going to get a lot colder in the coming months. So, adjust to enjoying these beautiful fall days as much as you can. Grab your favorite sweater or sweatshirt, your favorite scarf, or even your favorite pair of yoga pants and boots, and get out there to enjoy a nice brisk walk among these gorgeous colors before it is all gone.
Just a few days ago, just because I was bored and wanted to clear my head, I went out on a 42 mile bike ride along the Minnesota River. For me, it was like riding through a kaleidoscope. To say it was absolutely stunning is an understatement. That aside, it really does not matter what you do. Instead of taking it easy and sitting around in your warm house or room all day, take that walk, bike ride, or run, and any exercise program you do outside while you still can. And hey, grab a friend or two while you're at it because very soon, it is going to be unbearably cold out. I am talking negative temperatures cold. You are going to wish you soaked the autumn breeze in when you had the chance. Snowy, icy, windy, and just uncomfortable conditions will keep you all cooped up indoors except for the occasional dash between buildings for classes.
Have you heard of cabin fever? It's true, folks. Here in northern Minnesota, you're not gonna want to be outside until early April. Just remember, there are those students who came here that are not even prepared for what a Minnesota winter has in store. Even for us Minnesotans, we are never really ready enough for the harsh breezes and bitter cold. So look out for others. It is easy to find services and cheap clothing all over the area. Make sure they have what they need to stay warm and safe. Boots, coats, hats, scarves, and gloves; we're all going to need them...soon.
Before we get to the boots and winter coats stage, get all of your friends and even reach out to others who have already begun staying dormant in their rooms, and start something up. Pick up football games, rollerblading around the beautiful city of Moorhead, ultimate frisbee, soccer, one last walk to Dairy Queen, and even a stroll under the Bell Tower are ways to get out there and make your fall worthwhile. But, if you know Concordia's legend, you may want to think twice about doing that last one.
Take my word for it, the title says it all. It really is here one day and gone the next.
