January Snows and Bitter Cold - introspection

January brings changes. Northeastern Indiana has had record cold temperatures and snowfalls. 29.6" of snow will break January records, and as of today we are almost there. Schools have also had record cancellation rates, and in my area this is the eighth day they have been out, making us all wonder how they will catch up and get everything done. Also, how long in June will they now be in session?

We are slightly immobilized. We think twice about getting in the car to go to the grocery store or anywhere. Wind chills make it nearly impossible for kids to play outside. One risks frostbite just going out to clear a driveway.

Yet we plod forward cheerfully as good Midwesterners, going out to work, to the YMCA, to the grocery store. Some things are different in this new year. It's time to change things up, make plans, simplify.

Some changes for the new year:

Exercising differently. Think about trying more outdoor exercise, like skiing and walking. But concentrate on different muscle movements than one has always done. So if someone has always run, she should switch to something else like swimming or dancing.

Pick up a new (or old) hobby. I have been playing the guitar again. I need more calluses on my fingers, but an old hobby such as this comes back fairly quickly. Music is great in stuck-indoors weather. I can entertain myself or lead a sing-along.

Get the kids to work on their science fair projects and experiments. This is easier said than done.

Cook like crazy. Bake a whole chicken and then later, make chicken soup from the carcass. Make an old-fashioned meat loaf. Splurge on hot chocolate.

Get out that new board game someone got for Christmas and has forgotten. Learn the rules and play it. Or play dominos - runaway Mexican Train has been popular the last few years.

Start organizing a tax file. Put bank statements, receipts, earnings forms and other documents together in a folder.

Write a letter to a penpal. If you don't have a penpal, write a letter to someone who might write you back.

Reattach buttons, repair holes and do other clothing repairs.

Draw, knit, crochet, make crafts, do craft kits such as shrinky-dinks. Order supplies online to be delivered if getting out is a problem.

Library branches are closed today - all kinds of offices and businesses, because of the cold. The high snowfalls drift and blow over the county roads, making travel dangerous and somewhat frightening. Yet it's beautiful also -