Happy February!

Ryan and I had the last three days off for our weekend, so in theory, we are rested and ready to reenter the work force! Lexi was wired yesterday, which resulted in zero naps. How sad for a day off, right? 

Anyway...I absolutely can't believe we have made it to February already, yet when I think about New Year's Day, it seems so long ago. (Things I probably say every year on February 1...) As we start this new month, I have a few totally random thoughts to share.

* Let's talk about snow, shall we? Such a hot-button topic. I find snow pretty, but only in moderation. And from the reports I'm hearing, moderation is not a word that Indiana will get to experience this week. If the reports are right, we are in big trouble come Wednesday and Thursday. Sounds like Ryan and I will be busy doing a LOT of shoveling. Are you on team let it snow or team please let the forecasters be wrong? I will say that I'm so grateful I don't have early morning transportation runs for tenants this week!

* Speaking of snow, it occurred to me last night that while we have plenty of food to eat for the next many days, almost all of it requires actual cooking, so if the power goes out, we'll be hungry. Ryan had to run to the store anyway, so I asked him to grab some lunch meat that we could add to the tortillas and cheese we already have if needed. He was able to get some, but the snow panic had pretty much wiped out the meat section, he said. So that makes me ask: what is your must-have staple when bad weather is coming and you know you better stock up? I remember one time (years ago, when I was single) I stocked up on charcoal so I could grill my food and made a bunch of quick bread for breakfast/snacking/etc. That might have been my most creative attempt. 

* The Olympics are coming! I am so excited about this! I'm pretty sure you know how I love them, and because the summer ones were postponed, I now get to enjoy back-to-back Olympics! Summer last year and winter this year. Perhaps I should have scheduled a vacation for this month. It could have helped with the snow avoidance AND getting to watch the Olympics for hours on end. Figure skating is my favorite winter Olympic sport, but I enjoy most of the rest of them as well. Maybe not so much with the curling, but only because I don't really understand it.

* Valentine's Day is also coming, and I confess I am not ready. Ryan and I have the day off, which I'm really excited about, but I don't know what we should do for a celebration this year. Last year we did fondue, and it was really fun, but I also like to switch things up from year to year. Any of you have any Valentine's plans already underway?

* This really has nothing to do with February, but it's in front of my face, so I'll share it. Our apartment is fairly open concept in the main living areas, which we love, but it does make it challenging to keep tabs on an energetic puppy. She likes to run to the WillowBridge office door and sit beside it to cry, because she might be missing out on someone fun in there. She likes to run to our bedroom to eat Braeya's food, because she is a BOTTOMLESS PIT. So we purchased a wire barrier that we stretch out to block off the living room and keep her where we can see her until she's a little more trustworthy. It's a pretty tall barrier, and I am pretty clumsy. After about the third time I caught my leg on it trying to vault over, I told Ryan that he's getting a front row seat to why I DID NOT attempt hurdles in school. It's comical and sad all at once.

* This also has nothing to do with February, but I spent part of yesterday making lists and it made me so happy. I just adore the clarity that lists give me when I'm thinking through multiple things. Do you make lists to help you make decisions or figure out how you feel about something? (Bonus: do you color code them?)

I think these are all my random thoughts for today. Happy February, friends! Enjoy the short month that precedes SPRING!