October

I remember when the world series (and the games leading up to it) didn't require special commercial spots or jazzy advertisements to entice people into watching or following the games. I remember when the World Series was the culmination of an entire lovely season of what may arguably be the greatest American sport every - I mean, c'mon now... national pastime, right?

So what happened? Why the celebrity endorsements? The annoying Dane Cook ads from last year... the taglines and attempted pop-culture, water cooler, Gen X-Y-Z phrases meant to make the game cooler/hipper/sexier than apparently it has become (or not become).

It surprises me each and every time. My husband and I are in the midst of Red Sox fever... watching the games every night and wishing we could listen to the NESN guys instead of the chattily superfluous TBS men.

WE WANT THEM TO WIN!!!! And then we want them to go on to face the Dogers and crush them in a way that leaves Manny Ramirez ruefully shaking his head and wiping back regretful tears as he watches the best ball club in the country ride off into the sunset - victorious and full of sportly glory.

I already love October. And there is something undeniably romantic, nostalgic, and seasonally titilating about getting caught up in the magical rush to those final games... especially when your favorite team is one of the two to make it there.

Hopefully, Andy and I will be able to sit and cheer for the Red Sox, wishing the Cubs could have been there too... and another season will come to an explosive close as fall tumbles forward into winter.