My Fall Curriculum, Part 3: Improve, Watch, Go

To complete my fall curriculum series, here are the last three areas I intentionally incorporated this season. One involved refining a skill I already possess, another centered on watching three classic movies I’ve inexplicably missed over the years, and the last was all about seeking out small adventures—little outings meant to bring lightness and exploration into my routine.

Once upon a time, I was a pretty good typist—fast, accurate, and confident. But like most skills that aren’t used regularly, it faded. Over the years my speed slowed, my accuracy slipped, and I realized I was relying on backspacing far more than I cared to admit.

Adding to that, my hands have recently begun showing the first hints of arthritis, a new feature of my forties that I wasn’t exactly eager to welcome. Some mornings my fingers feel stiff, especially if I indulged in something sugary the day before, and that discomfort is a sharp reminder that dexterity is a gift that requires some maintenance as I age.

So this fall, I decided to brush up on my typing skills. Along with using an online typing program (typing.com), I created my own little practice system. I set up pages to copy from off-screen and filled them with things I actually enjoy: favorite recipes, poems I love, and song lyrics that make me nostalgic.

There was something oddly charming about it all—sitting there, typing away, feeling a little like an old-fashioned secretary at her desk. Often I would listen to my fall classical composer playlist while I practiced. The combination of rhythm, words, and music made the practice feel almost cozy, and it quickly became one of my favorite small rituals of the season.

With enough practice, I was able to exceed my old typing speeds by a good distance! It’s been surprisingly satisfying, and I’m hoping to keep this habit going. My wheels are turning now, brainstorming other skills I can improve upon!

A fun detour this fall was cinema—specifically, finally catching up on a few iconic movies everyone else seems to reference but I’d somehow never watched. I decided to stay seasonal and picked three classics: Dead Poets Society, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and The Fellowship of the Ring.

I’ll confess: I couldn’t make it all the way through Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. John Candy’s character grated on me so much that I had to tap out about halfway through. But the other two films more than made up for it. Dead Poets Society was beautifully moving, and The Fellowship of the Ring pulled me right in.

Because I read The Divided Soul earlier this year, the movie landed with more depth than in times I previously attempted to watch. Instead of viewing the story as a sort of live-action Dungeons & Dragons quest, I could see the psychological and moral architecture Tolkien had built beneath the plot. Not just a broad battle between good and evil, but an intimate struggle between duty and desire—a tension which both Frodo and Smeagol carry within themselves. That inner conflict made the story feel richer, more human, and unexpectedly relatable. 

While watching Dead Poets Society, a Whitman line landed with perfect timing: “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” It echoed everything I’d been doing with my fall curriculum—these little efforts to learn, create, and take part in the unfolding “play” of my own life.

All in all, it was a cozy little film adventure and a satisfying way to fill in some of the gaps in my cinematic education. 

Finally, I wanted adventure on the list--because what kind of education doesn't include field trips, right? In cooler months, outings don't happen unless I intentionally pencil them in, so I made a point to schedule them throughout the fall.

Our big trip this season was to Arkansas for a Twenty-One Pilots concert. It was a great "last hurrah" for the year, especially since I got to see one of my best friends from high school, who joined us for the show.

Other outings included a few fall-foliage road trips and the play Once Upon a Mattress, at the college. Then, toward the end of the season, I went with Jordan and her friend to a fall performance of CSI's Symphonic Orchestra. It was a joy because we decided last-minute to attend and had no expectations. Then we were treated to a fantastic concert that was beautiful and nostalgic in turns. A happy surprise!

For smaller day-to-day adventures, I squeezed in friend-walks at the Canyon Rim and walks downtown after grabbing a cup of Twin Beans coffee. My favorite drink this season, The Bellatrix, is a breve mocha with cinnamon and organic chocolate and vanilla syrups. Delicious!

Each of those outings gave me a chance to be outdoors, move my body, and make memories with the people I love. But scrolling through my camera roll, I realized I’ve definitely fallen out of the habit of documenting these little excursions. I used to take photos constantly, and now there are barely any! So one of my goals going forward is to ease back into the rhythm of snapping a few pictures to remember the moments that made the season sweet. 

"And that's all I have to say about that." -Forrest Gump

Looking back over everything I managed to do this fall, I have to admit: following a personal curriculum turned out to be a surprisingly successful experiment. I’m not sure it’s something I’ll do every season—life has its rhythms, and during busier stretches I imagine it would be harder to keep up with something this structured—but for this particular season, it worked beautifully.

I have a rough outline started for a winter curriculum, and I’d really love to talk with friends about what they’re planning for the colder months. It would be fun to swap ideas, gather inspiration, and maybe even coordinate schedules so we can do a few things together. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, let me know. 

Either way, feel free to stay tuned—I’m curious to see what I end up getting into in the months ahead too!

Sarah