Even though I was born in Wintertime and my birthday notoriously falls during the historically coldest week of the calendar with some years even boasting record snowfalls (yep, not kidding), I am actually not a huge fan of this season. Usually I dread the trudge to the subway on those especially frigid February days. The black ice, the messy crosswalks, the howling wind that chills you nose to toes. But because I work from home, you guessed it… no more commute! I can literally watch Winter from my cozy perch in the living room and attempt to stack up business travel to more temperature friendly zones during this polar stretch. But honestly, I’d much prefer some sort of cryo-therapy where I could just sleep right through the cold patch and wake up mid-Spring to a lovely moderate forecast. I think the bears have gotten it right with the “please wake me when it’s over” plan.
Since that technology does not yet exist (or does it?!) I’ve become obsessed with those soft furry socks with the hearty bottom soles that look like indoor mukluks. I have an embarrassingly unnecessary three pairs already! My office desk is right near the windows and I swear the chill finds a way to get in. Well, that’s my justification anyway. Also, I’ve stocked up on my favorite hot chocolate mix from Jacques Torres in the bright orange canister. I know that stuff is super expensive for what it is, like compared to Swiss Miss I mean, but dang, it’s like steamy chocolate heaven in a mug for me. I only drink half a cup at a time and I use way less than the recommended 4 heaping teaspoons of mix for each cup, and I gotta tell ya, it’s still incredibly rich and satisfying.
Anyone who knows and loves the song Walking In A Winter Wonderland belted out beautifully by the incomparable Michael Bublé, knows that the glistening snow only lasts a short time in NYC.
Kids, horses, foot traffic, dogs, and snowplows tend to muck up the beautiful sight and color the once pristine wonderland with miles of slushy asphalt. So although I’m trying hard to listen for those sleigh bells, the sounds of sand and salt trucks tend to drown them out!
I still imagine New York as a bit of a surreal snow globe though when the untouched fresh powder clings to the streets and temporarily quiets the traffic. I do see a few trees from my office workstation and delight in the fact that with each passing snowstorm and cup of hot chocolate, I am one step closer to this season being over. I know you’re not surprised to learn that just like those bears, my alarm is already set for Spring!
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