It's STILL Winter...

Even though I woke up early with the kids yesterday, I didn't find myself openning the blinds until nearly noon. I was taken aback - stupid, I know - by the overcast sky and the fresh two inches of snow blanketing the ground. I don't know what I had been expecting. This is the Midwest. It's January. I've lived in this climate my entire life. I completely know better than to expect any kind of shortened winter. Even so, I was knocked down a few pegs, my heart sinking into the frozen ground. I want spring. I crave warmth. I thrive on sweet, sweet sunshine.

I turned away from the window and hunkered down on the couch, burrowed in a fleece blanket, and closed my eyes. I transported myself to a better place, a warmer place, and no, it wasn't some tropical beach. Instead I found myself smack-dab in middle of Milwaukee in July, the muggy air sticking uncomfortably to my skin and the smell of rain stirring in the air around me. Sitting on a concrete ground with my back against a retaining wall and my extraordinary friend, T, by my side, I sipped on a plastic glass of cheap wine, the sweat of it seaping through my fingers. Having seven kids between the two of us, we managed to pass off our motherly duties to our significant others to spend the day at the lakefront listening to music. As we sat and chatted about anything and everything, except motherhood (tsk-tsk... we were trying to take a much needed break from that "title" for awhile, though), a storm hit. Hoards of people ran for cover under the roof where we sat. We could barely hear each other over the music and the hundreds of people packed in such a tiny area, so we continued to sip and laugh and sip some more. It was glorious.

When a band that we had waited for all day was nearing their concert time, we looked at each other, knowing we'd have to run for it to the uncovered stage, as the storm was still going strong. It wasn't even up for discussion. We were there to hear music, and by God, that's what we intended on doing. Never had playing in the rain felt so liberating! By the time we paid way to much for a Miller Lite rain poncho, we were already soaked. It was all I could do to keep from constantly shaking my head, thinking "My God, if my kids could see me now!" I think we managed to get one photo of the two of us before we were completely drenched, a crappy photo at that, but to this day it brings a stupid-ass grin to my face! (Thanks, T! ♥ you!)

So, when the long, frigid, gray days of winter get me low, low down, I click my heels three times and jump back to brighter days, knowing that they will once again be upon me. I just have to hold tight... just a bit longer...

For all my fellow freaky friends out there, raise your glass if you're wrong in all the right ways! (yup - borrowed that line from Pink...) Cheers! *clink*