“I am learning all the time.” The tombstone will be my diploma.”

- Eartha Kitt

So here we are again, another summer past.

One question: Why is it that, as adults, we act like summertime is over right after Labor Day?

I mean, it's not like we are suddenly turning on the furnace or bringing out the scarves and mittens.

The last time I checked the thermostat, it read 82, so unless I want to roast instead of just simmer in my house, I think I'll keep the window fan running for a few more months.

Plus, to me anyway, summer isn't even over yet.

Sure last week most of the kids went back to school and they are all excited about seeing their friends again and getting new sneakers.

But for me - I just went to work like I have been doing all season long.

So while I'm on this schooling rant, I think there are a few more things I'd like to get straight about this time of year.

I have to work for a living, so with that in mind, my “summer vacation” won't actually happen until around the beginning of October. Also it won't be two months long either.

Note to kids: enjoy all those days off while you have them because all that spare time goes away when you graduate.

Instead of having June, July, and August to do as you like, once you start your careers, you'll be getting two weeks a year to be carefree.

Also, forget snow days, too. A snow day at work means white knuckling it till you slide into the office parking lot, because the boss really doesn't care if there is a foot of powder on the ground; you're still expected to show up.

Back-to-school sales are another tradition that irritates me.

For starters, stores start putting out the supplies in June, so it's sort of a before-school-ends sale if you ask me.

Another little question I have is why is it always a No. 2 pencil? What's wrong with the ones, or even the threes?

Looking back I can remember using only one type of pencil: yellow.

Granted, I'm not a parent, and for that your welcome, because with my attitude and outlook on the world do you really think it's a good idea for me to start breeding at this point? I don't think so either.

But could one of you just tell me why it is that kids are talking on cell phones while they wait for the bus?

What on Earth could you possibly have to say to someone that is so important when you're 8?

I remember a time when having a cell phone meant you were spending the night in jail and you were only allowed one call to make.

The only upside to this whole cell foolishness is texting, because at least with this new national pastime they are learning to read and write.

And isn't that why they are going to school in the first place?

Auburn native Bradley Molloy's column appears here, each Sunday, in The Citizen. He

can be reached at

lovonian@hotmail.com