My Monthly Alarm Clock

Birmingham Tornado in 2005

On the first Wednesday of every month, I can hear the tornado siren being tested. This speaks to me in two ways: Alabama does see tornados and "what? a month has gone by already?! What the heck have I been doing?"

It is at the moment of hearing that siren that I think back on what has occurred in the past month. Today, on December 2, I think back to November (hang on let me look at my iCal) 4th and see that on this particular hump day I was in the midst of rearing wheat grass for a client (don't ask) and mentally preparing myself for the big Alabama/LSU football weekend ahead. That was a great week that I remember concluded over margaritas with some co-workers (always an enjoyable time.)

The rest of the month found new people, my first Toastmaster's meeting (that's a post in itself), babysitting/pet sitting, more football and the fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday. It was a good month, I'd say.

Who cares though? Why would you care what is jotted on my iCal? You don't. It just amazes me how fast things seem to go and that I hardly take time in this new, working world to thoughtfully appreciate what has happened and will happen. I like that siren—yes, because it screams "RUN!!! GET TO THE NEAREST BASEMENT!" but more because it is my monthly alarm clock.

So today, Wednesday December 2nd, I am awake and thankful for a great November and look forward to the December month. Let's just hope we don't hear that siren any sooner than January 6th... are you seeing this wind today, Birmingham?