Sunny Days.....

I am done with spinning, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude and choked with that emotion. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. Well, not really that long, but you know, you stay cooped up in the house because of the snow, you will understand what I mean, even if for just a week or so! Never mind all that shoveling I did. I literally had to beg my husband to leave one half of the driveway for me to shovel, as he got ready to shovel with – “ I can get my workout through shoveling now” the exact same thing I wanted, get my workout through shoveling!

As I drove to the gym that morning, there was nothing but piles and piles of shoveled snow on the roads and in the parking lots. Two-way streets are almost one-way now, and of course, everyone is driving cautiously. Schools have been off, as have been most workplaces for the past two days – thankfully we were plummeted over the weekend with that snow. Never mind, the temperatures are negative outside, never mind it is very early in the morning, it is almost a full house at the gym, in my class. It is always wonderful to see that there are people who feel like me, up and about doing their workouts!

I come home and sit with a cup of hot coffee. The blazing sun shining on the white blanket of snow is nothing but deceptive. It all looks beautiful from the warmth of indoors, and looking out through the windows. I was delighted watching the cardinals perch themselves on the branches near the windows. I remind myself to put some bird food out as soon as possible. What was there is covered in snow. I can clearly see them pecking at the snow on the branches. I wonder if they are quenching their thirst or if they can get some food also there!

My pond! Well, despite the snow, I know my fish are okay in that little puddle at the bottom of the pond – perhaps a scoop worth of water. As I think of those fish, I feel nothing but admiration for how things work in nature. I look at my fish in the fish tank – they are trained, I think. I turn the light on in the evenings, and when I stop by the tank before going to bed, they school to the corner, anticipating food. I wonder if they recognize me, and I bet my bottom dollar that they do!

I know, I know there are people living in even colder and snowier regions, but…a girl has a right to complain, doesn’t she? I have always said I am a homebody. I love staying in, having a routine, and all that good stuff. But this staying cooped up made me realize, I need my freedom – freedom to be out and about. Never mind I spin on the bike without any conversation, never mind I am driving around with my favorite music blasting – alone in crowds. Is it the joy of seeing people or the joy of that freedom to be out and about? I don’t know.

With the mail in my hand, walking past the snow-covered ground, I notice small footprints going towards a tree just like mine going towards the house – perhaps a squirrel running around.

Some footprints look like little hearts . Valentine’s Day is not far off, but the mailman’s footprint? They are big and deep. Well, the poor guy, getting out of the van in front of every mailbox, digging into that snow, leaving the foot marks for me as I put my foot into the same spot and reach the mailbox to get the mail in. The difference is, I just do that once every three days. I make a note to leave a note and perhaps a gift card or a chocolate box for the mailman!

I look at the 10-day forecast and go urrgghhh…teens …a problem anywhere! Punxsutawney Phil has come out, seen his shadow, and burrowed back in to stay there for six more weeks. Well, he can stay there. But us, humans, no way! Almost as if in rebellion, just a bright sunny day has made all the difference to us. And I tell you what, after freezing in negatives, those teens with warm sun are very liberating, not to forget the longer days, even if by a minute. The sun is up a minute sooner and sets a minute later, every single day! I am excited to be shopping and feel very happy to find a couple of summer dresses. Oh, the joy of envisioning summer! Don’t get me wrong. I do love winter, I love the cold, but I have to be honest - I need the bright sun, even if he cannot make a dent in the piles of snow with his rays!