Day 26 Freakin Winter 1-31-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-31-2011
SNOW!

High 20

Low 15

Last day of January. Oh what can one say about January? By far the longest month of the year. The coldest month of the year. The blah-est month of the year.

January I bid you farewell.

See ya!
Joytobe

Day 25 Freakin Winter 1-30-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-30-2011
cloudy, snow, colder



High 15



Low 8




Cabin Fever!!! I officially have cabin fever. I feel the need to go go go! Move! See something different.



It happens every winter. But I am going somewhere today. It doesn't even matter where. But I am getting out of the house today.



So enjoy the Sunday quotes



"Horses- He is pure air and fire and the dull elements of earth and water. That never appear in him." -written by unknown given to me by Savanah


"Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best." -Bob Talbert


Joytobe

Day 24 Freakin Winter 1-29-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-29-2011
cloudy




High 32


Low 14


Saturday Quotes

"This guy could be riding around in a rusted red windowless van with "Free Candy" written on the side." -Billy Gleason

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -unknown

Joytobe

The Low down

I can't really talk about what is going on around here that has caused my lack of posts or my lack of meaningful (like any of my posts are meaningful?) posts. But I do want to say I am so incredibly proud of my son. He has handled a difficult potentially life altering situation with care, compassion and strength. He really does know right from wrong!!

I am so relieved that he shares with me the problems of life so I can gently guide and help him navigate through stressful situations.

I see in him a quiet strength tempered with glorious humor.

I love you Billy.
Joytobe

Day 23 Freakin Winter 1-28-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-28-2011
cloudy


High 27

Low 15



Today was going to be the day.... the day I was going to the Como Conservatory.

Well we have had a couple of dramatic situations and well I didn't go. It has been an overwhelmingly stressful day.

There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true. Tomorrow is not far away.

Joytobe

Day 22 Freakin Winter 1-27-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-27-2011
Cloudy but thawing!! Drip Drip Drip



High 31 maybe 32!!


Low 20



This is the last day of the longest semester there has ever been. Alas so many ups and downs this semester for Billy. Actually more downs than ups. Love Hurts type problems. Wicked illness. Missing two performances for the play for which he struggled through 3 months of rigorous rehearsals. Watching grades drop dangerously low because of all of the above including many ill days missing school and being at school feeling sick and distracted.



All I gotta say is "Mazel Tov". This Hebrew word is literally translated to "Good Luck". Generally it is used to say congratulation or to acknowledge someones good fortune. It can also be used with a bit of sarcasm/slang as if to say "Thank God, It's about time."



I am using this word as all of the above. Our good fortune is that this semester is OVER!!!!! As of Monday January 31st a new one will begin. Personally I am thanking God and simultaneously pleading for a great healthy new semester.



Hopeful

Joytobe

Day 21 Freakin Winter 1-26-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-26-2011
Partly cloudy


High 23



Low 18


Oh what to say today. Weather is stable. Stable I mean boring. nothing great...nothing horrible. Could definitely be worse. I even see a little melting happening out there! yay!

Today is the first day of finals for my teenager. Two days of finals. I find myself on bended knee not praying for A's or even B's. With this rough sickness filled semester I am just hoping for a pass!!

Still planning on going to the conservatory on Friday. Can't wait.
Joytobe

Change in Plans

Whoa!!! Plans have changed. I changed my mind about today. As a woman it is my prerogative to change my mind at a moments notice.

I am not going to the Como Conservatory. Reasons, I had some sort of stomach virus last night. Didn't sleep well. #2 I kicked the corner of the coffee table with the top of my foot about 20 minutes ago. My whole leg is throbbing, toes are tingling. broken? Don't think so but dang it hurts. #3 I decided I want to take Savanah with me to the park. She loves stuff like that. #4 I didn't really want to go alone anyways.

So I am going to go on Friday after the kids dentist appointments. So you will not see the post from me with pictures until Monday.

I do want to alert everyone to the fact that the sun is shinning. Go sit in it and soak it in.

Joytobe

Day 20 Freakin Winter 1-25-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-25-2011
Cloudy but the sun may break out.

High 23

Low 8


Wow!! 20 days. For 20 days now I have been blogging about the weather. Bored yet? I am bored with winter but that just means I have to dig in and dig deeper.

This next month is when we find out who is man (woman) or mouse. Who has the skills to survive and thrive through winter!

So to celebrate 20 days of winter blahs gone by. 20 days less of winter that I have to suffer through I will be visiting the Como Park Conservatory today to take pictures of living plants.

Look for my post and pictures tomorrow.

Joytobe

Day 19 Freakin Winter 1-24-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-24-2011
mostly cloudy some flurries


High 28



Low 8



Want to know the difference between 10 below zero and 10 above zero? When it is 10 above zero waiting for the bus at your child's bus stop, your nose moisture will actually run down you face then freeze. 10 below zero you nose moisture just freezes directly in your nose then melts and runs down your face when you come inside.

Honest to God truth. Gross but very true!

We may have a little bit of a thaw starting out there. With the warmer temperatures unfortunately comes the clouds, moisture and wind. Give a little, take a little. Glass half full, glass half empty?

Well I'm gonna call it...glass half full.

Every day in January above zero is a good day!
Joytobe

Day 18 Freakin Winter 1-23-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-23-2011
20% chance of snow

high 9

low -9

Sunday quotes:

"Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can only come to peaceful people." --Jawaharal Nehru

"No acts of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -unknown


Peace be with you.
Joytobe

Day 17 Freakin Winter 1-22-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-22-2011
partly cloudy

High 12

Low -8



Saturday Quotes:

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." --Janis Joplin

"If you are going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you may as well laugh about it now." --Marie Osmond

Enjoy your day!
Joytobe

Winter Blues Tip # ????

Did you enjoy my earlier rant?! Well you gotta do that sometimes. It does actually help you stay sane here in the Minnesota Arctic. Now after you get done throwing yourself to the ground, kicking your legs, flailing your arms about, hitting your head on the floor and screaming. Pull yourself together. ahhhh deep breaths.

Now Doll yourself up! Whoa? what?

We all get so dang busy and absorbed by life and responsibilities. Taking care of everyone around us. I forget to ever focus and center myself. So pick a day of the week. Any day but once a week.

Almost Every Friday I take a little extra time for myself. I take a long shower...I actually shave my legs!!! Then I lotion up. Face cream.

It doesn't matter what you do but it has to be something you don't usually do for yourself. It has to make you feel Vibrant. Confident. Pretty. Special. Sexy. Polished. ALIVE

It could be one or all of these things listed or something you think of on your own
Make up
Perfume
Jewelry( I clean my wedding ring)
Paint your nails an outlandish fuchsia!
Style your hair

Take the time. Take it slowly. Enjoy it. Play music, something relaxing or bouncing music. Whatever will rejuvenated you and make you feel lighter.

Remember what it was like as a teenager getting ready to go out with friends or on a date. It was fun. Have that fun with yourself again. You don't have to go anywhere. and remember you are not doing this for anyone else but simply YOU!

Polish yourself then enjoy the shine!
Joytobe

Day 16 Freakin Winter 1-21-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-21-2011
Damn cold




High 5



Low -29



I have run out of adjectives to describe the cold! My winter blues tip for today. Instead of getting depressed about the cold.....get pissed. You can't be truly irate and depressed at the same time. It would require too much energy in different directions. At least it's working for me so far!

Warning I am venting!

I gotta say I am seriously irritated at our school district. They should have at least delayed school by 2 hours. The temperature when I drove Billy to the bus stop at 6:45 am was -29. That is 29 degrees below zero. Frostbite within 10 minutes of exposed skin.

My problem is this. Teenagers don't dress for the weather. They dress to look cool. I could hardly get my kid to zip up his jacket this morning. In addition to this problem many parents of teenagers just don't give a crap about their kids. I see this first hand with some of Billy's friends. They are starved for attention and care. They cut themselves so someone will notice them. So although I drove my kid there are many parents that won't even see their child leave the house this morning walking to the bus stop in a hoodie sweatshirt.

My son has a seven minute walk to the bus stop. Two days ago the bus was 15 minutes late. Yup that equates to 22 minutes out in the dangerous cold. Certainly enough time for a kid with no gloves on to get frostbite.

It's dark outside and if a kid standing at a deserted bus stop runs in to trouble cause say the bus is late or breaks down before getting to their bus stop, no one is going to see them.

These buses go out on rural country roads. No street lights, no protection from the elements.

If they delayed school it would be light out and the temperature would increase diverting a dangerous situation.

Today my son's bus came early. So early that several kids missed the bus. So you have kids walking 7 minutes to the bus stop, waiting 5-10 minutes before they realized they missed the bus then walking 7 minutes home to try to get a ride. Again the frostbite scenario.

Seriously Irritated,
Joytobe

Day 15 Freakin Winter 1-20-2011 Part 2

So I sat and contemplated the universe. What was I going to do with my winter blues today? Very cold out. But will be dramatically colder tomorrow. hmmmm

I had to go bring Billy his high tech calculator that he accidentally left home because he has a big pre-calculus test today. Well I didn't have to but the end of the semester is only a week away. And to be honest with all of the school he missed being so sick in December he could really use all the points. And well I'm a nice person! ;)

So since I had to be out anyways I decided to make the best of it. I went to a new (not new just new to me) thrift store that I have never been to before. I love clean thrift stores! I love the idea that someone may have thrown something away that I could really use. I like the thought of re-purposing something. I found two things to buy. Both were 97 cents. A candle holder that I have been looking for that matches one I already had! Perfect! And a bag full of embroidering thread. Awesome.

Lately I am very into fixing things. I mend socks!!! I patch holes in pants for Savanah. I have gotten so good at this. I feel very green. It feels great to save a little money too! As a society we have become so accustomed to throwing everything out when it's broken. But let's try to fix it first!! Now I am not saying start hoarding stuff either. Just really think about what you need and the possibilities.

See even now I am regretting something I threw out two years ago. I kinda wish I had kept Billy's unused braces rubber bands. Now I was thinking I could wrap them around wrapping paper to keep them neat and tidy. You have to be careful about that because it can lead to serious hoarding problems. I know this because my mother was a bit of a hoarder. (not like awful but she had a alot of crap!!!!) You can find a happy balance!

Then for a special treat I went through Subway drive thru. And you know what????? I am ready for tomorrow. Bring on the wind chill. Cause I got nowhere to go. And I feel rejuvenated!

I am going to stay home and fix something that is broken.
Joytobe

Tax Tip

Okay I have a income tax tip.

Every year I have a file for income tax stuff (it is labeled "Income Tax", isn't that creative?). Whenever I have a tax receipt it goes in this file. Then come January when you start getting "important tax statements" from the financial institutions that you do business with, put them in that file the moment you get them.

Then about the 3rd week of February (you should have received everything you need already but make sure to double check) do your taxes or take your tax stuff to your accountant. You have everything you need right there. After your taxes are done and filed with the government, move everything you used to do your taxes to a new file (titled Income Taxes 2010). Move it to a different file drawer or location.

Now your original "income tax" folder is empty and ready to start collecting receipts for the next tax year.

And Viola easy income tax prep, no hunting for statements or receipts and no procrastination! Yay!!!

Joytobe

Day 15 Freakin Winter 1-20-11

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-20-2011
Bitter cold. windchill -17

High 8

Low -6


Holy Moly! That's what I'm talking about. This feeling. This wretched feeling I am having right now. It is awful cold. And the blues have struck me hard this morning. Not sure why I crawled out of bed. (except to drive Billy to the bus stop) Not so sure I won't just go back there..... forever. or at least until Savanah has to leave for the bus stop.

So WHAT THE HELL am I going to do about this? this dreadful feeling?

I have no idea. I'm first gonna think on it for a while. But I will let you know what I come up with.

Minnesota Winter Ain't for No Sissy's!
Joytobe

Day 14 Freakin Winter 1-19-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-19-11
Partly cloudy, cold, full moon


High 6


Low -6


Getting nasty cold around here. Time to start pulling out the big guns!!! Gift Certificates!!!!

Allow me to explain. Most people think that giving gift certificates as a present is lame or a cop out. I LOVE GETTING GIFT CERTIFICATES!!!!

Here is my deal, for Hanukkah and Christmas I actually ask for gift certificates. It's not that I don't trust someone to pick out a gift for me. And when I get gifts I always appreciate the care with which someone thought of me.

But see in the dead of winter, (now through March) I need a pick me up. This also happens to be a time of year that I am freaking out about all the money we spent during the holidays. Buyers remorse, credit card debt recovery. I become the budgeting dictator my family has nightmares about. Nothing is purchased unless it is a necessity. And absolutely nothing is purchased for myself, needed or not. I'm a martyr that way. ;)

But the gift certificate gives me reprieve. And just when I think all is lost to winter and I am going to explode with cabin fever from my self imposed hibernation......I am saved by the gift certificate.

Mostly I hate shopping. I hate malls. I hate clothes shopping. I hate grocery shopping. I hate spending money. I'm some what of an oddity of the female gender this way. Not fond of chocolate either. BUT.........

I plan a special treat day for myself. I warm up the car for a good 10 minutes. Turn on the butt warmer too!! Then I go spend one of my beloved gift certificates on no one except myself! I only will use one gift certificate at a time that I received. I have to spread this out over the entire winter, you know.

I come home with my treasure and there is no guilt of spending. This was a gift. I bask in it! And there you have another use of a blah winter day.

Some of my favorite gift certificates are: (Just in case you ever want to buy me a gift!) ;)
Joanne Fabrics and crafts
The Woods
Yankee Candle
Subway
Cariboo
Starbucks
Barnes and Noble
101 Market
Michaels

I am not terribly fond of gift certs from places like Target cause inevitably I'll purchase things that are needed (like toilet paper) instead of something frivolous and fun. blah. Defeats the purpose!

So there you have it. Gotta to go shopping!
Joytobe

Day 13 Freakin Winter 1-18-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-18-11
Partly cloudy, colder, windy


High 8



Low 3

It's awfully quiet around here after a relaxing 3 day weekend. I can honestly say I am enjoying the quiet with my favorite book and lots of laundry.

So another tip for winter. Start journaling. This is my journal. Well not exactly. I do keep this blog for general consumption. My most mean nasty (not in that way. get your mind out of the gutter) thoughts are usually scribbled barely legible on a piece of paper that gets crumpled up or shredded within an hour of me writing.

Either way it is therapeutic. Write in a fancy notebook or a regular old spiral notebook.

But your journal must include two things at the end. You have to include five blessing in your life. Your health, your family, your job. Whatever.

And then it needs to include any joyous coincidences that you experienced that day. For instance, you are thinking of a certain song, then you hear it on the radio. You drive down a street with five stoplights. All the stoplights are green for you. Silly things that you take for granted everyday!

My little joyous coincidence is this: Over the last two weeks I have heard our wedding song (our song, Jeff and me) on the radio five times. "True Companion" by Marc Cohen. I can play this song anytime I want but somehow it always touches my heart and takes my breath away when suddenly I hear the beginning of the song when I am not expecting it. No matter where I am or what I am doing I stop and call my honey. If he doesn't answer I just play the song on his voicemail.

Give it a shot.
Joytobe

Day 12 Freakin Winter 1-17-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-17-11
Light snow showers 1-3 inches




High 24



Low 8

More important than weather rhetoric and silly anecdotes.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I guess when I think of Martin Luther King Jr. I am reminded of how remarkable this man was. But it also makes me think of how ordinary people can be remarkable, Rosa Parks. Everyone with passion, commitment and determination can change the world.

I think Martin Luther King Jr. would be pleased with the fact that we now have an African American President. I would imagine he would feel we still have some work to do to truly attain equality and tolerance of all races, religions and sexual orientation.

I imagine he would be an advocate for world peace. That which seems unachievable is my dream.

But for this day I would like to relish in how far we have come and commit to where we need to go.

Joytobe

Day 11 Freakin Winter 1-16-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-16-2011
Mostly cloudy, flurries


High 10

Low -2


Sunday Quotes

"Until you made peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have." --Doris Mortman

"We must love others for what they are and forgive them for what they are not." --unknown

Joytobe

Day 10 Freakin Winter 1-15-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-15-2011
sunny


High I don't know what the high was today!!! just flipping cold!



Low -2



It's officially cold. And I am officially burrowing within my home today. Right now I sit on my couch, a blanket (one I knitted a few winters ago) on my lap. Candles lit, fireplace on, drinking decaf coffee. Intermittently, knitting a scarf, reading my winter happy book, Northern Lights by Nora Roberts, using the computer and watching tv.

I feel quite content right now. After a few days of this I will get jumpy cabin fever but for now this is heaven.

Joytobe



Saturday Quotes
"Normal is in the eye of the beholder." -Whoopi Goldberg

"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." --Lucille Ball





What I am doing today.

Day 9 Freakin Winter 1-14-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-14-2011
More snow 1-3 inches


High 18



Low 10



One way to get through the winter blahs is to "project plan". I like to think of things in the house that I would like to get done. Things that in the spring and sunshine I am not going to want to be stuck inside doing. Cleaning, organizing, redecorating, decluttering, painting, going through old files, shredding. That sort of stuff. Some of it is fun and some just a necessary pain!

But it sure does feel good to get things done!

So for instance today I started organizing my basement. It is a slow process but...well hell....I got all winter to finish it!

I just know once the ground starts to blossom I am going to be outside for the next 6 months!!
Joytobe

Day 8 Freakin Winter 1-13-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-13-2011
Cloudy, light snow

High 16

Low -6


An unpleasant wicked way to start the day. I'm done. Going back to bed!

Okay so in winter some days you just have to give in to winter. That is what I am doing today. It all started a few days ago. I started to get the itchy, scratchy feeling in my throat. Headache. Stuffy nose. I thought well here it comes. My first cold of winter.

Then miraculously I could feel my body fighting back. I ate mucho oranges! My little white blood cells were in a fierce battle with this nasty little virus. We won a few battles and things were looking good! Tragedy averted...so I thought.

Then last night the germs surged ahead and overtook my retreating antibodies. The chills started and all symptoms increased ten fold. So to bed I went at 9:15 pm.

This morning I got Billy up and out of bed at 5:30 am. My honey got up at the same time and headed off to work. I went back to bed for another 45 minutes of sleep. The problem was this, the alarm never got reset. So I awoke at 7:00 am. Ran down the stairs in a panic. Billy should have left for the bus at 6:45. Alas I found my sweet tall boy curled up on the couch sleeping peacefully until he heard my blood curdling scream. "AHHHHHHHH you missed the bus!!!!"

Dragged a whining crabby Savanah out of bed. Hopped in the frigid car. Drove Billy to school without even a sip of coffee. My head was throbbing.

Fast forward to now. Savanah got on the bus, Billy made it school on time. And I am calling it for the day. KO I'm done.

So today my lesson for winter survival? There are days "Winter wins." Give in to it a little. Pamper yourself, take care of yourself. There is always tomorrow.

Night night,
Joytobe


p.s. Just heard the song "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes" by Paul Simon. Dang I love that song. Not sure how you could hear that song and not tap your foot and feel happy! Give it a listen!

Day 7 Freakin Winter 1-12-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-12-2011
Calm and sunny




High 20


Low 2




To hold back the winter blues I re-read my favorite book. I read this particular book every winter. Sometimes twice if it is an unusually brutal winter. The book I read is Northern Lights by Nora Roberts. This ain't no "War and Peace". This is light reading. I find it easy to set down and easy to pick back up. I absolutely love the characters she creates in my mind.



This becomes my treat and I save it for a particularly nasty cold stretch. The book takes place in a small town in Alaska. The main character has just moved there from the lower 48. He curses the cold in a very funny manner. I can totally relate to the character.



So for instance, this Sunday the high in my town will be below zero. I plan to park myself under a blanket, near the fireplace with candles lit reading my book. I almost (I said almost!) am looking forward to the arctic blast.



Find something that gives you great pleasure. Look at your list from the Day 2 post.

Joytobe

Day 6 Freakin Winter 1-11-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-11-2011
cloudy and light snow


High 24

Low 13

Arctic blast coming this weekend. Oh Yay!


Okay so today the problem is not the cold. The problem today is this nuisance snow. This is just an ongoing light snow that lasts for days. The problem with this is that the roads never really get cleared. Traffic is a nightmare. You shovel, then you shovel some more.


In winter I have to find things, some silly, to look forward to. For instance I REALLY look forward to Groundhog Day, February 2nd. This is very amusing because in Minnesota the groundhog's anxiety (or lack of) about his shadow doesn't mean SHIT! There is going to be 6 more weeks of winter. In fact there is going to be about 11 more weeks of winter. But something about this day makes me smile. Perhaps the mere mention of winter being over makes me happy.

The idea that a small furry creature can determine or predict the weather. Who came up with this invigorating insane idea? No doubt someone who had enough of winter!

I have decided I am going to celebrate this day with panache. I am going to completely buy into this day and make it BIG. Not just any other ordinary day. Let's give each other presents! Maybe we should call it "You-survived-the-first-half-of-winter Day".

So you see, now I have something to look forward to and more importantly I have something to plan for. "A Groundhog Day Party" yipee

uhhh can you rent out groundhogs like a petting zoo type of thing?
Joytobe

That's Just Cruel

Okay Walmart.

I can't believe how cruel you are. I was just there shopping and there it was. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. Nah this can't be. I couldn't believe my eyes!

Shock and awe. I just stood there paralyzed.

The shelves were being stocked with gardening supplies. Shovels, hoes, bags of dirt, hoses and sprinklers.

Good God people don't you know. I won't be breaking through the frozen ground until late May!!!!!!

I'm sorry but that is just pure evil!

Joytobe

Day 5 Freakin Winter 1-10-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-10-2011



Cloudy light snow showers accumulation 1-2 inches. Tonight another 1-2 inches.



High 24



low 15





Day 5 awesome. The low today is what the high was a couple of days ago. Oh yeah. That's what I'm talking about! Good stuff.

Now I understand that the next two days will be balmy compared to the rest of the week. Balmy, I guess, is in the eye of the beholder.

A lot of people who live here in the Minnesota Arctic say the only way to survive winter is to relish in winter type activities, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow mobiling. Well honestly I don't do any of that. The only type of activity like that I participate in is ice skating. But I do this at an indoor rink. I haven't skated outside since 2003. But today to celebrate 24 degrees I am considering going to the outdoor rink at the park. Maybe? Undecided still at 7:30 in the morning.

For sure I am going to go outside to shovel. Generally I shovel if we have snow under 2 inches. After that it's my honey and the snow blower!

So we will see. I'll let you know.
Joytobe

Day 4 Freakin Winter 1-9-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-9-2011
Lots of sunshine.

High 13

Low -3


I have a confession. I always wanted to be a meteorologist. Weather really intrigues me. Now I get to live out my dream! kind of.

Find the sun today. Try to lay in the sunshine. I have a window in my bedroom. The sun shines in that window on the floor and I lay on the floor in the sunshine! Close my eyes and envision palm trees and sandy beaches. I feel warm ocean breezes. I take myself to a mini vacation. 15 minutes of splendor.

"Luck comes to those who are willing to try; Never to those who wait and wish." -unknown

"Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances we learn how to be brave." -unknown


Joytobe

Day 3 Freakin Winter 1-8-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-8-2011
Clear Skies today. Nice sunshine


High 15

Low -10



Yikes! brrrrr Okay the weekends are easy for me in winter. My family is home and they provide quite the distraction from winter. Tomorrow's post will include quotes.

Then more winter aggravation tips coming on Monday.

Billy's friends will be here tonight for movie night. Looking forward to teenage energy!

Burrowing in tonight.

Joytobe

Day 2 Freakin Winter 1-7-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-7-2011


mix of clouds and sun, snow flurries and windy. Wind chills tonight -15 to -20

High 14

Low -3





Day 2! Getting colder. Today is the day to make a list of all of your favorite things. All of the things that make you feel light and cozy. Things that give you comfort when you are down. This list should be long! Dig deep, think of all your senses.



Some of the things on my lists.

Flowers

Drinking coffee with a good friend

Sound/smell of rain

Taking a bath

Reading a book

Going for a ride (not driving)

Sandy beaches

Smell of a campfire

Fresh cut grass

Going to the Como Park conservatory to smell growing things in winter.

Listening to music.

Watching Apollo 13

Sitting in the quiet and drinking a glass of port



Now go back and pull out of the list those things that are attainable quickly. For instance unless you got lots of money a sudden trip to a sandy beach probably is not going to happen. But if you have a trip planned in the future make sure you keep that on the attainable list.



What are we doing with this list? The items on this list are to be used once a week for a break from winter blues. Pick a day each week to relish in one of these things. This is going to break up winter and give you a day to look forward to.



This list is also a back-up escape plan for the "worst of the worst days of winter." The days that feel REALLY hopeless. Grab one of these out of the list and hold onto it with all your might until the hopelessness fades. Once this happens move quickly and get on with your day. Work very hard to not let those blah feelings seep back in to your day or week by remembering the feeling when you were doing the activity on your list. Then start looking forward to the day you get to pull from the list again.



If need be pull from the list daily!



Gotta go finish my list.

Joytobe

To Resolute or Not Resolute

To resolute or not resolute.



Making New Years Resolutions. hmmmmm I really waiver on this. Some years I have made a resolution to not make resolutions.


Other years I make resolutions but they are so vague there is no way to track them.. i.e. "Be a better person." It is very subjective. If you can't track it there is no guilt. That is both bad and good. Guilt can be quite the motivator.


I also tend to make resolution that are unattainable. Asking too much of myself then failing miserably.


I have read articles about making goals. Several have mentioned S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely


Last March I made a promise to myself to make healthier choices. Instead of making a temporary change in my behavior I went for a change in lifestyle. Including exercise and healthy eating habits.


So once I had this general promise (goal or resolution) I had to break down how to achieve this.


I decided to exercise 3 days a week.

I also decided to eat a normal portion breakfast, either oatmeal, or cereal.

Then eat a small portion lunch.

With small healthy snacks in between.

At about 3:00 pm I gave myself a break in my day to meditate and drink green tea.

Drank a glass of port before dinner.

Eat a normal size dinner but NEVER go back for seconds.


Sorry for those who love desserts. I am very lucky that way. Sweets just don't sound good to me.


I was very pleased with the results. It was manageable most days. In fact I started exercising 4 days a week. I had more energy, less depression, less pain, more strength. I was proud of myself. I am still proud of myself. A sense of pride is also a great motivator.


Although my exercise has decreased dramatically with the winter weather, not conducive to walking (my favorite exercise), my diet habits have not wavered much. Even with the holidays I was able to keep off 13 of the 15 pounds I lost.


So back to my original question. Should I make a resolution or not? I think I will but not in the traditional way. First, my resolution obviously isn't starting on January 1. That is too much pressure. In fact I think I will start my resolution on some random Wednesday in January.


I will consider my resolution to be a promise to myself and a change in my life. I'll be flexible, if it isn't working it needs to be tweaked. It shouldn't be miserable.


Now I just have to think of what it should be?

Joytobe

Sunshine Alert!!! Beep Beep Beep

This is a message from the Emergency Broadcast System. This not a test. Repeat This is not a test.

The Sun is Shinning!! Find a window quickly and soak in the sunshine. This helps keep the winter blues away too.

Day 1 Freakin Winter 1-6-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota for today January 6th, 2011





Forecast

flurries, mostly cloudy

Low Temperature 6


High Temperature 15





Well here we are..... Day 1. And the temperature is going downhill from here! Yikes. Time to Cozy in! Hibernation is one way to deal with winter. I do some of that too.



I am starting out today with a TO DO. Okay now it is January 6th. CHRISTMAS is OVER. The jolly 25th and the jumping New Year's celebrations are complete. Let's face it. Christmas decorations after these events are just sad and depressing. Move your butt and pack it!!! Today.





Well not all in one day. I have lots of Christmas decorations. It would completely overwhelm me to do it in one day. Deadline for all Christmas pack up is Sunday night!





Then ahhhhh feel the space! It is liberating. While you're at it dust. Then have some fun. Rearrange your stuff. Think......re-purpose, redecorate. Pretend you are a designer and move stuff around.





Then mark off your checklist - exercise (Yeah it's on my New Year's resolution list) I have been up and down the basement stairs enough today to consider it exercise!





Look for my post on New Years Resolutions later today!


Joytobe

Winter Project

Winter is all fun and games until January. Until about January 5th (yup that is today) winter is kind of fun and magical. With the Christmas and New Year activities the white on the ground is .....comforting, special. Today.....On this very day, it now becomes a burden. A heavy burden weighing you down.

Even more dreadful is the unbearable cold! And the worst part, the Minnesota winter is never ending, (at least it certainly feels that way). There is no light at the end of the tunnel until March. In March you get a couple of teaser spring like days before the clouds and snow move back in. The teaser days are painful because you know....It Aint Spring Yet!

People who live in other states often tell me, "Well move south."

Two problems with this. First and foremost, my husband's career is here. It's a good job, a job he loves and does well. Jobs are hard to come by.

Second, this is home to us. For all the winter hardship, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

Third (I know I said two, but I lied), The cold gives me something legitimate to bitch about! That is the cold hard truth too. All Minnesotans love to complain and brag about the weather. Who of us has not told friends from out of state that "This morning the temperature is -25." They ask in wonder, "You mean the windchill?" We answer proudly with a hint of insanity to our voice, "No the temperature is -25 the windchill is -35."

I've been asked, "What does -25 feel like?" My answer is always the same. "-10 and -25 has no difference, you just run everywhere you go. The moisture in your nose freezes instantly acting as an incredible antihistamine. You can breath although the cold air hurts as it fills your lungs.

So how do you survive a Minnesota winter? I am thinking about writing a book about this very subject. It will be toilet reading with little anecdotes, tips and when all else fails, mind numbing ideas. Sometimes in winter you have to numb your mind. I'll have to think of a clever name for this book. More clever than "How To Survive a Minnesota Winter."

I know people who are seriously afflicted with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I am not proposing that I can cure the extreme "winter blues". But maybe I can just lighten up a few moments of a winter day.

We will travel through how to make a Winter Plan. With a daily entry including current weather for the day. We will see how this goes. Should be an interesting project.

Join me tomorrow (Day 1) in my ride to the edge of winter insanity.
Joytobe

As always, if you are looking for good grammar, the appropriate use of punctuation or something that makes sense.....move along cause you aren't gonna find it here!