January: isn't it supposed to be dark and cold

A lot of people dread January. You hear about the increased depression, the dark, cold nights and the realization that the holidays are over and we have nothing, nothing at all, to live for.

Well, while most are dreading the cold, hard month of January, I must admit that I kinda like it, for all of the wrong reasons. Kinda like my love of most things (butter cookies, Law & Order: SVU and Cynical): for all the wrong reasons.

I kinda get into the cold, dark days of January. Maybe it's my inner teenage angst rearing its ugly, yet beautiful head, or maybe I just like an excuse to hibernate. I like rushing from the car to the house, ready to enjoy the warmth, curl up with my knitting and watch television. Cold, dark nights are the perfect excuse to stay in, avoid the world and become a bit of a hermit. You get to play a "Little House on the Prairie" as you burrow under anything, layer your clothing, put water on to boil for tea, plan soups, and add an extra blanket to the bed. Your days are consumed with staying warm.

And then there's that bit of hope that January brings, being as it's the first month of the new year. All of the Christmas stuff is stowed away, your house seems more open and airy. You have once again begun to eat a little better, clear out the clutter and there's no yard work to contend with. I spend a good deal of time most Januaries journaling, thinking, planning.

This January, however, has been a bit of a disappointment. I know I shouldn't complain, there aren't many winter days in Kentucky that reach up to 70, allowing you and your beloved to take a nice long, rejuvenating walk. But I miss the cold a bit. I miss being able to see my breath in the air and wearing warm mittens or gloves. I kinda wish we had a little snow, just enough to keep us inside making soup and wearing two pair of socks.

Damn global warming.

(Please note, we don't live in a barn or anything, so don't send firewood or provide space heating tips. I just like a cool house. I grew up in one and I am convinced it fights off all of the little germs bound to make me sick.)

PS: I know I've been absent a few days. Wish I had a good excuse, I've spent all of my time recreating a cold, dark January. My weekend was consumed with SVU marathons, seeing "Juno", going to open houses, taking walks and knitting.