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So you think you can pull off skinny jeans.

I'm one of those people who never wants summer to end. Until it ends. And then I'm ready. But until then, I want my skin to be pink (I don't tan), my hair to be light (ok, I get highlights) and my beer to be cold (actually, I want cold beer year-round). Nevertheless, I'm ready for the change of seasons.

One big factor is the blasted mosquito population of my backyard. Leave. Me. Alone. The other is that summer in Springfield is ssllloooooowwww. College kids vacate, the young and about-town retreat to the lake, and everyone else relishes in the cool comfort of their air-conditioned homes. I've tried to put together those weekly "best bets" since last spring only to realize that two items does not a list make. Fail. But the people have returned, and as for the best bets lists? Guess what folks, they're back.

Another big factor is switching out the clothes. In the spring, the warm weather wardrobe looks so promising and inviting... but when you're on a budget, your greatest hits of 2005 being traipsed out again gets real tired, real quick. Inspired by our fall style guide and the rebounding economy (my Chicago home finally sold), I treated myself to a pair of "skinny" jeans. Yes, "skinny" is in quotes, and in quotes it shall remain. But hey, with the right top (long) and the right boots (high), they're actually pretty cute. But yeah, the girls in the guide are pulling them off way better than I ever will. What are you gonna do.

Lastly, there's the food. I love me a fresh salad and halibut on the grill and all, but can I get some baked ziti please (insert brusque comment about "skinny" jeans here)? Part of it is football, and me engaging in some high-concept cooking to avoid getting jailed in front of the TV, watching my husband's Cowboys, and also because, well, that's what you do when the weather gets cool: you eat. One of the items I've been thinking about a lot, even though it's still too hot out, is Patton Alley Pub's macaroni and cheese. Dang, that stuff is good. It's like the M.C. Escher of macaroni and cheeses: you don't know where it all begins or ends. Friggin' huge bowl, people. The cheeses are quality, the bechamel is creamy and the slight kick from the cayenne pepper renders it anything but an "old standby."

Anyway, I'm rambling. Back to the season. My weekend looks to be a nice celebration of fall, both in what we're doing and the fact that we're doing it (as opposed to sitting at home and waiting for all the cool events to return). Tonight we're headed out to see music legend John Prine at the Gillioz; his music will be sure to bring childhood memories flooding back to both my husband and me.  We're going to get a cocktail at Gallery Bistro first, and then perhaps a quick dinner at Izumi Hatake. Ooh, or maybe Riad. We haven't been to Riad in a while. I'm craving their kebabs. Then Saturday night I'm getting together with some girls to do a wine tasting. The theme is Austrailian wines under $30. Best believe I'll be hitting up Diamond Ridge Market to talk to Tyler for some expert suggestions.

Then Sunday I'll be jailed with the Cowboys. Maybe I can convince my husband to go out somewhere to watch it instead? I want some boneless wings...