Lately, I have just about had it.
I don’t particularly like winter. I mean, it’s OK for a month or so. I like some fresh snow, Christmas carols, lights, happy memories. By the end of January, though, I’m ready for earlier sunrises and later sunsets and warmer weather.
This winter is even more annoying. The pandemic is rounding its 11th month. I’m tired of not seeing friends and family. Even though I love my house, I don’t want to be here anymore.
I’m watching my weight and shouldn’t eat treats; and I’m trying to clear out my messy house, so shopping for pleasure isn’t helpful either.
Grump, grump, grump.
Today Mr. PiN came up with a great way to keep me happy and engaged while we wait for the Earth to continue turning towards Spring.
I have some time set aside for vacation at the end of June.
I told him I was hoping to go to the beach, where would he like to go?
He countered that he thought any beach we could get to easily would be swamped, especially if the pandemic was really better by June. He proposed traveling abroad to the Algarve in Portugal.
Of course, right now, it is not possible to get there.
Knowing how much I love to plan vacations, he suggested that I plan for a trip abroad (looking only at fully refundable housing and airfare, of course), but also plan a back up vacation. In fact, he said, why not plan 5 vacations?
Some people might think this is wasted effort, but I felt my mood lift quickly.
I get to look forward to something pleasant, and investigate multiple locations. Fantasize about being there in the warmth of June. And, if we are looking at renting a place, I get to “shop” online. Lots of pictures, and comparisons, and maybe even the dopamine rush of spending money; but no issues with clutter once we are done with the purchase.
My husband knows me well. I’ll be off to window shop soon.
In the meantime, I had a fun time reading through the speech from Richard III that inspired that phrase I hear so often. :
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds that lour’d upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
…I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
Plots I have laid, inductions dangerous,
Shakespeare, Richard III.
Go read the whole speech, it’s worth a few minutes and will send a chill down your spine.
How are you managing these days? What do you do keep your mood up?