This morning, I woke up a bit bleary-eyed. I still haven’t fully adjusted to the time change, so I looked at the clock a bit confused. I pulled on some shorts, slid into my flip flops, grabbed a jacket and leashed up Chipotle for her walk.
The first thing I noticed about stepping onto the grass was the snow oozing over the sides of my flip flops. I looked around, stunned to see so much white. Indeed, it had snowed overnight in Rhode Island. Though October 10, 1979 holds the record for the earliest measurable snowfall, November 8th is still very early for us.
I then realized that it’s official: Now is the time of year when people go from complaining about how hot it is to complaining about how cold it is.
Truth be told, complaining about the weather is one of the human person’s greatest pastimes. Oftentimes, it’s how we bond. “Hey Jim, cold-ass start, don’t you think?” But it’s also one of our most unproductive pastimes, too.
At least masturbating has the benefit of an orgasm. What does complaining about the weather accomplish? It certainly doesn’t change the weather. Saying it’s too cold doesn’t warm me up. And it’s not like the other person can do anything about it either. It’s not even fun, like playing Farmville.
I challenge you to find something more unproductive than complaining about the ever-changing weather.
Fortunately, there is an alternative: There are wonderful things to appreciate about the constantly changing meteorological conditions we experience. On a day like today, the chilly start is perfect for snuggling up in bed for a few extra minutes. Or wearing jogging pants and moccasins. Or maybe even eating a steaming bowl of oatmeal while wrapped in the blanket that my grandmother knitted for me.
Instead of complaining about the weather – a new and novel approach could be appreciating it.
And now I’m done complaining about people complaining about the weather, which may also be a bit unproductive. Time to make a snowman.
November 9, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Yes, that’s true, it is annoying hearing/talking when there’s a lack of subject for a discussion or something. I bitch from time to time..but to myself
So, how’s the weather there?:P
November 9, 2010 at 5:59 pm
My friend I was never your enemy
November 9, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I don’t think it’s a waste of time… it fills gaps in conversations and as you said it’s a good conversation starter and a way to new friends in some cases
new friends aren’t a waste of time 
Masturbating is however a waste of time as it supposedly makes you desire real sex less than your hand supposedly…
November 9, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Wow Ben! I am thunderstruck by your bravery and decisiveness. I am so happy for you that your mom is being supportive. I think they always kinda have a feeling whether they admit it or not. I am sure her support will be invaluable to you in the months and years ahead and I have no doubt that your trust in her will foster even more openness and trust to come. I am glad, too, that some of your friends have stuck by you. The ones who didn’t may or may not surprise you. I know some of my friends just needed time to adjust to the thought but I didn’t actually lose a single one when I came out to them. And, at 35 years old, I still have one to come out to… Someone who I am very close with and who I don’t know how he will react. Your astronomical courage is inspiring to me. Thank you!
In the future, take a look back, every so often, and take stock of what’s different in your life because of the choice you made today. This is a day to remember and to celebrate.
And if you ever need support or just an ear to listen you can email me: dave@davebanwell.com.
November 9, 2010 at 10:57 pm
MichaelM, It warms my heart to know you find my writings insightful and even-keeled. I make no excuse for my behaviour. It was completely without merit or value other than to vent building frustration at some places where I’ve abdicated control in my life. Funny how one thing leads to another and I’m blaming other people not only for something going on in my personal life – something over which I could take control if I really wanted to – but also for not getting home until 11:30 and having to miss The Simpsons
And I suppose it’s OK, once in a while, to indulge the behaviours that we, for the most part, resist when they don’t affect others. I learned – again – that it doesn’t make me feel better, that sometimes I take things way too seriously and that I lose my voice quite readily LOL!
November 10, 2010 at 5:34 am
Hatred is one of the worst ways to waste your time. Not only does it waste your time but it also wastes the time of the targeted individuals.
November 11, 2010 at 5:50 am
I think that would be the one facebook lamegame that I could get addicted to… haha