As a kid you learn important concepts by virtue of comparative contrast, such as: in/out, big/small, happy/sad, over/under. This is a good place to start with concepts as it presents a simple toggled state of one or the other. Later kids learn what is in between these two ends of the spectrum and other nuances of the concepts.

In my advanced state of education I have learned how to see a vast variety of possibilities within the spectrum of these initially very basic concepts. Indeed, I have even acquired the ability to use the toggled ends simultaneously without conflict in meaning. Case in point:

I am OVER the UNDER zero temperatures in this region; and, there is no SMALL way to express what a BIG sentiment that is. I don’t need to understand the INS and OUTS of weather to know that these temperatures are not in favor of promulgating human life in the region. And as for those folks who are HAPPY about this sub-zero tundra effect, I say that is just SAD and a tad SAD-istic.

Now, if only my advanced state of education could help me with why I magically forget each spring how brutally cold it can be each winter. As for now, I’ll just suggest a North Dakota specific addition to the basic concepts – frozen/thawed.

But hey, I am not bitter…

Day one hundred and eighty-seven of the new forty – obla di obla da

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