SUMMER: Ah, much better

So I'm sure many of you noticed how picturesque the weather was today. 70 degrees, sunny, a little breeze . . . while I took down a club sandwich and fries on the Legend's patio, I felt a huge sense of relief.

They have this new thing called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and while I look at the medical merits of such a syndrome, I usually chalk it up to a load of you know what. Think about it though - winter can be downright miserable. Being outside can chill you to the bone in less than 60 seconds, and the sun hibernates longer than usual, leaving your waking hours half light, half dark.

Then, one of the most underrated days of the year occurs - when we move the clocks forward! At this age I haven't had to worry about waking up that early, so whether the sun is up at 6:00 a.m. is not of my concern. But when the sun stays up until 7:30, then 8:00, then those wonderful 8:30 p.m.'s in July, it is oh so nice.

It is during the winter months where everyday routines become a grind; during the summer, though, everyday routines feel more like a nice, structured life.

During winter sporting events like the Super Bowl, people go to a bar or friend's place bundled up in their North Face, only to trudge home after the game. During summer sporting events like baseball games, you bust out the grill, cooler, and soak in the rays in your shorts and flip flops.

During the winter months, you can see your favorite band in the Assembly Hall or United Center - that is, after you slide your way into the arena from the ice covered parking lots. During the summer, you can pull into a grass lot, go into an amphitheater, sit on the grass and watch the stars come out while the music plays.

Okay, okay - enough cliche-ridden sentimentality.

Long story short: I love summer. There's something every weekend that takes place outside. Your favorite baseball team plays basically EVERY DAY - as opposed to the weekly Bears game or the two Illini basketball games a week. When you get to your car in the morning, there is no scraping of ice and five-minute warm-up session necessary before you hit the road.

So, in honor of summer, I will be celebrating it to its fullest. Concerts, a couple baseball games, grilling out for dinner as much as possible, finishing up my summer classes by doing homework outside any chance I get.

I made a pledge after last winter - no more would I ever complain about the heat in summer. I didn't complain once last summer, and I am pretty confident this summer will be the same.