Post-Christmas Blues

Cadets at West Point call it "Gloom Period". Mids at the Naval Academy call it the "Dark Ages". I just say it sucks. To me, it's that timeframe between taking down the Christmas tree and seeing the first signs of daffodils and azaleas blooming. And yesterday we took down the tree. Somehow I always seem to trick myself into thinking that it means winter is almost over. Wrong. The holidays are over. Winter...gray, gloomy, windy, cold winter has another 2-1/2 months to go. Every year I begin to daydream about changing careers just to get myself closer to the equator. What would it take to relocate south -- even a little bit to someplace like Norfolk/Va Beach, or even further south to the Carolinas or Tampa. Most of the time, I know it's just a day dream, but every now and then I page through the real estate pages or peruse my company's job openings to see what options *might* be lurking. It's like playing the lottery, you can't win if you don't play.

Anyway, it took every ounce of motivation to suit up and head out the door with Nick for a 5-mile run, and by the end I was glad I did. Poor Nick has been neglected as a running buddy lately. Between the various races, travel for Christmas, and the Thursday =PRR= runs, I haven't put much time in with him, and I know he's been sad about it. He was so joyous yesterday. We didn't move fast, I even stopped and walked just to look around for a bit, and he was pulling as if to say "C'mon, Mom. I don't get this much anymore. I want to enjoy it!". I'm starting to see a few more white hairs on his muzzle, and I know that our days of running together are probably numbered. Ally hasn't run with me in over two years and I still really miss her when I have to leave her behind. The day when I have to leave all three dogs at home because they are too old and infirm to run will really make me sad. In the meantime, I need to remember to look for these opportunities to give him that joy. I may tri for joy, but Nick runs for joy.

As for me, race registrations are starting to open, which means my 2009 season is coming together. I'm throwing in a few dates to volunteer, or go cheer for friends as well. And, my catalogues from Cook's Garden and Burpee Seedee are starting to arrive, so I can begin to plot out my even bigger and better garden for this year. It may be winter, but I need to remind myself that the sun still shines and the work I do now is laying the groundwork for a stronger, healthier and happier 2009.