Back to school no matter what your age

Brianne Miller, LCI’s Senior Counselor here.

The sight of school buses rolling down the street, that huge spiral notebook sale at Target, the increased morning traffic…yup, it’s back to school.  I don’t know what it is about September that makes me want to buy 100 number 2 pencils and sharpen them all into some sort of demented SAT-taker bouquet, but that vibe is there.

I’ve always considered September to be the start of something new.  A clean page in your notebook, the time when you pack away the bathing suits and bid the flip-flops adieu.  There’s a renewed energy at work, at home, and in the air.  Those of us in PR take this opportunity to shake off the “everyone’s on vacation and there’s no one left to pitch” doldrums of August and bring out the creative ideas.  But this time of year is great for anyone to write on their clean slate.  So here are a few Buzzworthy ideas of how to get out there and take advantage of the impending Fall…

1. Eat outside.  It’ll be too cold soon enough, so grab a sandwich and find your favorite spot (Union Square?  South Park?  The Presidio?) to savor the sun.
2. The Shoe Department at Macy’s Union Square.  OK, this is stereotypically girly, but what’s better than new Fall shoes?  To see them all, hit Macy’s 2nd floor, pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw, and try on at least 10 pair.
3. Be a Tourist.  San Francisco in the summer is full of shivering tourists in their t-shirts and shorts (guess they didn’t get the memo on “the coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco”).  While our lovely city is always delighted to welcome visitors, these first weeks in September are when many clear out and the locals can easily come out to play.  Alcatraz, Pier 39, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Marvel again at the beauty of SF.
4. Help the needy.  We all remember to participate in the food drive or throw a few bucks in the kettle around the holidays.  But need exists year-round, especially in this recession.  Take a few minutes and donate time, dollars, or energy towards your favorite charity.  I just love Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest, Glide Memorial, and St. Anthony’s Dining Room.  It’ll make you feel warm all over.
5. It’s time to do something new.  Push yourself and do something creative.  Start that book you’ve always wanted to write.  Compose a song.  Start a blog.  Play the piano.  Or just come up with a solution for world peace.