Love – that’s a strong word.

But, I originally thought of titling this post, “Winter, I hate your face.” Also, a strong word.

Despite the fact that I’ve lived in the Midwest all my life, I’ve never really been a fan of winter. I don’t do winter sports. I don’t even really like being outside at all during the winter.

And I often get the Winter Blues {aka S.A.D.}

But this year has been a little different. It’s not that I like winter any more than I have in the past because I haven’t. In fact, this winter has been tough for most people all over the U.S.

But ever since I started my Gratitude Journal and I began noticing, listing and voicing all the things for which I’m grateful, my life has taken on a new perspective. So, since this is a decidedly difficult winter, let’s put it in the spotlight.

Winter, I love you and am grateful for you because…

• I can watch TV while I workout – whether I’m on the treadmill or recumbent bike or I’m doing exercises on my yoga mat.
• I can catch up on all of my favorite TV shows and watch a lot of movies while snuggling under the covers.
• I love sipping hot coffee in the morning and hot tea while relaxing at night.
• Hot chocolate and hot cider – enough said.
• Red wine warms me up rather than makes me too hot.
• Hot wine – well, mulled wine, really. It’s just the literal translation of the French vin chaud.
• Many restaurants have blazing fireplaces.
• I love cozy winter sweaters. They have always been my favorite piece of clothing.
• Wait! Scarves are my favorite piece of clothing. Well, let’s call them accessories instead.
• That the dogs are feeling chilly, too, so I get extra doggie snuggles in the morning, at night before bed and while I’m watching those movies on the couch.
• It’s the time of year when comfort food tastes best.
• It gives me an excuse to travel somewhere warm.
• That $5 bowl of Roasted Pear Tomato Basil Soup.

Winter, I love you because you make me appreciate Spring, Summer and Autumn even more. So much, that I wrote a letter to my Summer Self.

Thank you. I’m very grateful.

And now, it’s time for…

Food

Dinners:

• Monday – Pasta Carbonara – Rob has been begging for this! I will probably serve it with a side salad to add some veg.
• Tuesday – Chocolate Chili – Can you tell we love this? Plus it is so easy because it incorporates ingredients that I already have on hand!
• Wednesday – English Muffin Pizzas – Yes, these have been on the menu for the last couple weeks, but they always got bumped out. I still have the goods, so this will be the week! Served with a side salad.
• Thursday – Leftovers or more English Muffin Pizzas
• Friday – Poker night!
• Saturday – Dinner with the girls
• Sunday – TBD

Lunches:

• Cottage cheese with a side of this Tomato Soup. I made a batch on Sunday and devoured it with a cheese quesadilla. It is so easy and so good! I highly recommend it.
• Leftovers
• And for snacks throughout the day: Berries with Greek Yogurt and, of course, dark chocolate.

Breakfasts:

• Breakfast Quesadilla
• PB Toast
• Granola with Milk

~

Fitness:

I’m finally getting into a groove with riding the recumbent bike and following it by PT exercises. Next week, my broken toe should be mostly healed and I can begin walking on the treadmill again.

• Monday – 30 minutes recumbent bike & PT exercises/yoga
• Tuesday – 30 minutes recumbent bike & PT exercises/yoga
• Wednesday – 30 minutes recumbent bike & PT exercises/yoga
• Thursday – 30 minutes recumbent bike & PT exercises/yoga
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – 30 minutes recumbent bike & PT exercises/yoga
• Sunday – Rest or makeup day

Sounds boring, but it’s better than nothing! I’m getting through some magazines and catching up on some shows. Thank you, Winter, for that!

So tell me, what do YOU like about winter?

Cheers~
Carrie