Winter in the interior - Highlights

Even with 6-weeks of winter weather left to endure Spring is at least is starting to feel like a possibility: The light has returned and the temperatures are bearable with multiple layers and the promise of a hot beverage. With the turn, I have started to realize why people choose to live here. Honestly, in December and January I wondered. The dark and the cold scream almost complete inhospitably.

As unwelcoming as the weather is there is still plenty of activity throughout the winter. If your jacket and boots are thick enough. Given my growing girth we have been very conservative in our participation. We passed on skijoring, downhill skiing and even cross-country skiing this year. Opting for the indoor activities or those that allow for a surer-footing and a quicker return to the car.

Getting "Outside"

Its widely accepted in Alaska that you have to go "outside" at some point during the winter to keep your sanity. Prior to living here, I never would have described myself as a sun person. Now I know I like the sun, I like it a lot. Its not the cold that has bothered me as much as the monotony of grey days this winter. In late December after returning from the "outside" we went weeks without really seeing the sun. It was hidden behind over-cast skies. Let me tell you it starts to affect your sanity. The days blend together and your PJ's call your name all the time. Its true what they say, you are wise to get out at some point during the winter. I am so glad we did.

In conjunction with the annual AGU conference in San Francisco we planned a whirlwind trip through the Bay Area seeing friends and family along the way before continuing on to Maui for "Babymoon".   Stopping along the way in Seattle for a long lay-over and "date" with my Dad and his partner Renee to the Museum of Glass.

Practicing what you intend to preach

For many years I have been the recipient of handmade birthday cards from two extra-ordinary now young adults. With rare exception these two were highly encouraged, read required by their mother to make cards for close family and friends. On the verge of becoming a parent myself, I am keenly aware of how these seemingly small traditions shape young people. I am even more conscious of the necessity to model the characteristics we hope to hope to instill in our children ourselves. How could I ever "require" handmade cards, if I do not make them myself?

Original:

My very first hand-made card inspiration found via Pinterest search "Birthday cards", originally from Oh Party.
My interpretation:

It seems only fitting that the first one would one be for one of 

those young people who inspired the tradition.

Eve of New Year's Eve

How will you celebrate the arrival of not only a New Year but also a new decade?
I am still working out my exact plans but I found lots of helpful suggestion on the internet!


At

I found a great collection of recipes "Eat Yourself Lucky: Good Luck Foods for New Year's Day"

As a child I was forced to eat "Hoppin' John", I turned up my nose and squinted my face at every bite. Last year I realized it isn't actually that bad. I cannot say that it is that good either but definitely not worth any amount of fuss for just a bite or two to secure good luck in the New Year.

This article also include a paragraph at end about foods to avoid. Lobster, chicken - Who knew?

Snopes can be counted on for other New Year's Day traditions to uphold.

and
is also full of simple instructions on how to ring in the New Year with gusto.

Personally,
I think you should spend the first day of the New Year in the fashion you would like to spend the upcoming year. For me that means:
- In a clean house, everything picked up and put away. If you're really on track, all the laundry done
- With the person I love the most (and others too)
- Starting on the perpetual New Year's Resolutions to eat better and exercise my body and brain more

Oh, and I also like this article about how to make your New Year's Resolutions Stick

In an effort to...

to spend less time at the grocery store (and cooking in general), I have started planning out our meals for the week on Sunday night.

I know I am not inventing the wheel here but I am pleasantly surprised that everything that has been said/written about this habit is true. It has saved me a lot of time. Not only at that grocery store but also in meal preparation throughout the week and space inside my head. Also, I have spent less.

Now, you may say (like I did) that I don't have time to plan. That, that step will take too much time in and of itself. Seriously, I sat down on Sunday night with last month's Bon Appetit, my computer and a pad of paper. Even with distractions on the Internet it took me less than an hour to do the planning.

Now, you may say (like I did) that it is not as fun as going to the grocery store and just making it up on the fly. I don't think that has been true. It is just as fun. I feel charged that I know what I am doing instead of searching for what to do. And the things that inspire me, I file them away for next week or if reasonable incorporate them now. I don't think its drained my kitchen creativity. I think its made room for more.

All in all,
We have eaten just as well but its taken me half as much time and less money. AND it has been just as much fun.