On mornings like this, when there are three flakes in the air as I leave the apartment, and three thousand falling when I reach work, and my hood is up, but I didn’t wear leggings so my thighs are starting to sting – on mornings like this, I think I am done. Good and done. I am not meant for this season.
And I promise myself that someday soon I am moving to a country where there is no winter, where the temperature never goes below freezing. Maybe not even into the single (Celsius) digits. I could be happy there, I tell myself. Happier than I am here.
But I know it won’t happen (yet). October will find me in Toronto, pulling on tights before I step into my jeans and buying a new pair of cotton-wool blend knee highs.
And then I think about how I have walked to work all winter, except for just a couple days (I could count the number on two hands), and I am proud of that. And I drove in the snow several times, with the slipping and sliding and slow inching forward, and I was safe. And I went places, even after dark, when it felt like I should be sleeping, and I had fun. I am proud of that. And I remember how I've been playing soccer and ultimate all winter long, and I'm making new friends and staying healthy. And I'm proud of that too.
I haven't merely survived this winter. I have enjoyed my life this winter. I have gone out in the cold and in the snow and I have had adventures. I have taken photos and stamped my name in the snow and slipped on ice, and maybe I am a little bit Canadian after all.
Mostly, I think of the plans and dreams I have for the future and how they’re almost in motion and I wouldn’t trade these hopes for a winter-long beach visit, although you may need to remind me of that in November.
But please, tell me Spring is right around the corner.
And I promise myself that someday soon I am moving to a country where there is no winter, where the temperature never goes below freezing. Maybe not even into the single (Celsius) digits. I could be happy there, I tell myself. Happier than I am here.
But I know it won’t happen (yet). October will find me in Toronto, pulling on tights before I step into my jeans and buying a new pair of cotton-wool blend knee highs.
And then I think about how I have walked to work all winter, except for just a couple days (I could count the number on two hands), and I am proud of that. And I drove in the snow several times, with the slipping and sliding and slow inching forward, and I was safe. And I went places, even after dark, when it felt like I should be sleeping, and I had fun. I am proud of that. And I remember how I've been playing soccer and ultimate all winter long, and I'm making new friends and staying healthy. And I'm proud of that too.
I haven't merely survived this winter. I have enjoyed my life this winter. I have gone out in the cold and in the snow and I have had adventures. I have taken photos and stamped my name in the snow and slipped on ice, and maybe I am a little bit Canadian after all.
Mostly, I think of the plans and dreams I have for the future and how they’re almost in motion and I wouldn’t trade these hopes for a winter-long beach visit, although you may need to remind me of that in November.
Is this dog happy or grouchy? I can't tell. |
But please, tell me Spring is right around the corner.
I love this and I love you and I love that you enjoyed your life this winter.
ReplyDeleteI know it's just around the corner because I'll be back just after that. :)
a) That dog is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteb) i'm so glad you got out there this winter and had fun while turning shades of blue, black, green & at times purple? you are my hero.
c) spring is on the horizon, with it brings new air, new smells and a whole lotta sun. huzzah!