Saturday, January 25, 2014

What's January good for anyway?

·         After the hype of Christmas, we still have one good holiday to look forward to—and it’s a breeze compared to Christmas.  New Year’s Eve has got to be a favorite: nothing to do all day but make some bread and pound cake.  Fondue with friends, late night games and movies.  New Year’s Day no one has to work or get up.  Maybe a movie.  Ahhh, the perfect come-down from a wired up holiday season.  Like the cool down of one of those Boot Camp exercise things.   Halloween being the warm up.

·         I think it starts when you get out the boxes to put the Christmas decorations in.  All of a sudden it’s like you’re nesting all over again and decide this is it—everything has to go.  (I’ve purged cds, books, clothes, nothing is sacred.)  Along those lines, your life seems to need a refresher, a new start: we’ve got goals, motivation, energy, we’re ready to tackle even our weight.

·         No one has any money.  But if you do, there’s no better sale time.  On all sorts of things, not just Christmas gift tags.

·         I kind of think the sun is brighter.  I love being able to see the distance without leaves blocking my views.  The snow capped mountains look fresh and close.  There is almost nothing prettier than a new snow that smoothes out the landscape and hovers on the tiniest branches.  Being the first one to make tracks in the morning.  Noticing what critters were out last night.

·         The days are totally getting longer—we made it through the shortest of them all and we’re on our way up.  But in the meantime there’s nothing better than hunkering down in front of the fireplace with a good back and your family.  It’s the perfect time to try out all those bread and soup recipes you’ve been wanting to get to.   Still too dark to be outside all evening, so there’s plenty of time for long puzzles, new board games, and movies/shows you’ve been meaning to get to.  Alaska: The Last Frontier anyone?  We’re so addicted.  Eivan and Eve are our heroes.

·         Love the clothing options: nothing better than a comfy pair of jeans and a forgiving sweater or sweatshirt that hides all the sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls you’ve tucked away.  No need to worry about what a swimsuit will look like now—there’s still time.  Bring on the boots: no need to keep up on fancy pedicures.  Plus your feet stay nice and soft since they aren’t getting cut up on warm pool decks or white sand.  Just use your coconut lotion—it’s almost the same as being there.

·         Hunting season is over.  I know, it’s the perfect time for ice fishing.

·         No guilt about not being in the yard.  Kind of like being in college where you could always be studying or reading the next chapter.  Summer is like that for me.  I could/should always be weeding, picking produce and berries, canning, you name it.  There’s always something that yard wants from me.  So when it’s dark, I’m off the hook.  I bask in it!!!

·         Love summer bbqs, but I’m also real good with intimate gatherings, small groups over for dinner instead of large fiestas that propel me to take a siesta.

·         No one’s in sports.  No track meets.  No cross country meets.  Everyone’s home by 3:30 and we’re in for the night.  Or at least the afternoon.  Heavenly!  Lots of time for indoor creative play.  (At least until Todd gets home.)

·         Cuddling with the kids under blankets.  Stories.  Cuddling with Todd under flannel sheets. 

·         No need to wash the vehicles.  Since none of ours fit in the garages anyway, we just wait for the next snowstorm.  Custom wash and dry.

·         Shoveling snow is a good way to break the workout monotony.

·         If you’re of Scottish descent you don’t have to worry about your white legs; everyone has white legs and bodies.  You’re good for a couple more months.

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