The Abruptness of Spring
As winter progresses and then slowly relents, there is always a point when I notice the transition is over. Even though it has been clear with its intentions, there is a day each year I am caught off guard by spring’s arrival. Today was that day.
It was a beautiful 70 degree Friday. 
The windows were open, all the neighborhood dogs were barking, the neighbor I thought was dead was spotted alive and well in his yard, children were squealing with delight while playing outside, and the neighbors across the street had a bonfire that may or may not have gotten a wee bit out of control. It was lovely and…a little much. I’m not complaining, I’m ready for spring, milder weather, and lower gas bills. It’s just that we’ve all been hibernating for months and I don’t transition overnight. Suddenly my mostly dormant neighborhood erupted into all kinds of activity.
I’m not sure I’m ready to be seen.
The reminder of life that accompanies spring’s arrival makes it a little harder to hide from the world, my neighbors, and myself. I think what’s really happening here is that I’ve been procrastinating all kinds of things. Making friends, exercising, acclimating to Pittsburgh, buying a bed for the guest room, cleaning out my closet, getting a haircut, etc. You get the idea. So, I’m a little caught off guard by spring’s seemingly abrupt arrival, even though I am incredibly thankful it’s here, and let’s be honest, I knew it was coming. I just need a little more time to sport a cute haircut as I greet my neighbors on my way to dinner with friends downtown. Or, I can show up and be seen, blemished and broken, like a returned item in the as-is section at Ikea.
Today is the day. Spring is here, whether I’m ready for it or not. The choice has been made. Blemished and broken it is.
