Like many of you—probably most—I woke up Sunday with a to do list.
On this list: write my weekly blog post, wash several loads of clothes, pay the electric bill, read the Sunday paper. I also wanted to finish a book I’d been reading, shred some old documents, and write.
That was the plan Saturday night. But come Sunday morning, I didn’t want to do any of it. I had no ideas for the blog, the pile of clothes was daunting, the paper would be filled with nothing but bad news, and honestly, I’d been slogging through the book to finish it because it was boring and depressing.
I was restless at the thought of another day inside. Even the thought of the Olympics brought me no pleasure. A quick check of the calendar confirmed the source of my malaise. It’s the second half of February, which can only mean one thing: cabin fever.
Maybe you’ve got it as well. That stifling feeling that you’re stuck inside again. Winter. We’re over it, right? It’s no longer fun to snuggle up under blankets with the Hallmark channel. I’m ready to trade it my slippers for flip flops. I want to turn off the furnace and open a window.
I want to leave my house without gloves, a coat, and a snow shovel.
Most of all, I don’t want to be stuck inside doing a bunch of boring chores.
I thought about going to the movies. That’s what I usually do when I want to toss away my responsibilities for an afternoon. But sitting in the dark watching a screen seemed like exactly the kind of thing I was trying to get away from.
Eventually I found the perfect diversion. I tagged along with my parents on a snowy hike through McConnell’s Mill State Park. They visit a lot of parks, and I rarely tag along, as that’s more their thing than mine.
But it was a warm and sunny day for February, and some fresh air and nature were just what I needed. I spent the day outside without any of my normal distractions—internet, music, even reading. It was just a girl and the great outdoors.
It was just what the doctor ordered, and proof that sometimes the most important thing to do with your to do list is chuck it for the day.
Well I certainly think you did the right thing on Sunday as I expect your parents really loved your company. I do enjoy the photos that your Mom puts on facebook, but I doubt I could hardly bear the snow now living in such a warm climate summer and winter. I know your grandma is looking forward to spring.