Much to my chagrin, it appears as though winter has arrived. This may be good news for some. But not for me. Winter has always been challenging for me…ALWAYS!

Many people that live in tundra-adjacent climates like me, say that there is no bad weather. There’s only poor clothing choices. Of course, I disagree. There’s absolutely bad weather and a lot of it finds its way to my city. It’s like a mannerless house guest who drops in uninvited and doesn’t know when to leave.

From November through March, we tolerate weather that is akin to the tantrums of a sleep deprived toddler. And the days that do hold some promise of sunshine are usually coupled with punishing winds….much like that aunt who compliments your hair and then makes a side comment about your weight!

So every year I try to come up with compensatory strategies to survive five months of boorish behavior from this yearly intruder.

This year is no different. I have some books on my reading list. I’m also in a brand new writers group and we meet online every 3 weeks. I hope to write more consistently going forward. And my husband and I have closets full of stuff to cull and donate so that the items get used rather than stored for that vague “some day”.

I’m also seriously considering getting back into Spanish language training. Spanish was my very favorite subject in high school, and even in college. Sadly, I never became fluent because I didn’t have the opportunity to use it regularly. And now it’s been just short of 100 years since I’ve used it. So obviously, I’ve forgotten a lot. But I’m hoping that some of it stuck. I’m hoping that, with some training, my brain would be able to dig deep and recall the fundamentals…

I would be starting this for a couple of reasons. One reason is that I loved it before and I think I would enjoy it again. Another reason is that we have some people in our extended family now whose first language is Spanish… I would like to be able to talk with them easily… Families should be able to communicate! Wish me luck… I’m sure that I’ll be needing it!

Hopefully, all of the above will provide me with enough challenges and diversions that the winter will fly by. And then good weather will return… And I’ll be able to get back on my bicycle!

What do you do to support yourself through the challenging weather months where you live? I’m always looking for ideas, so please share…

I’m glad you’re here💜

This post is part of the November Nanopoblano challenge. A group of us committed to writing a blog post every day for the month of November. Please visit the blogs of my other Nanopoblano cheer pepper friends HERE