The World According to Angela

We've smelled fresh air!  Yes, people, even after the near-blizzard which just spit on my birthday, barely a week later, we were out riding our bikes.  Taking a walk with the stroller.  Smelling air and feeling wind that DID NOT HURT!  It almost makes you believe that yes, just next week is the official start of spring.  To us Chicagoans, this doesn't always mean much since we can get snow in April or even May in those tough years.  But also to those of us of the northern climates, we embrace that air with the enthusiam of a freshly emerged periodical cicada, for it feels like air we haven't experienced in some 17 years or so (some winters feel that way, trust me).

Today while waiting for the school bus and enjoying all of that fresh air, the kids were kicking at the final few spots of snow (for now, anyway...it's not over, I guarantee it).  There were some nice, big piles just last week, and since these spots are hidden from the sun at the hottest part of the day, they are the last to melt.  I think the kids noticed the irony in kicking snow piles while dressed in their light jackets enjoying the warmth.  They started telling me their (sudden) dislike for winter, and how they can't wait for spring (they don't dislike winter either, it was just the moment).

I admit, spring is my favorite time of year.  There is just something about enduring winter weather that makes you appreciate spring that much more.  The first time you open your windows and let in all that fresh air is the absolute pivotal moment of them all.  It's like you can feel your soul rejuvinate, it's so awesome!  We're not quite there just yet, but it's getting close enough to taste.

Truth be told, I don't hate winter at all.  I actually enjoy snow, and I've even shoveled more this year than I have in a long, long time (since living on Columbia) and still maintain that attitude.  Snow has its place.  But days like today (and tomorrow, too!) make me excited to think about springtime - all the buds on the trees, flowers blooming, baby animals everywhere, fresh air, the different smells, being outside more...the list goes on.  To me, it always seems like a fresh start.  New beginnings.  The change of seasons is so fun to watch.  I might have been complaining about the cold for a bit there, but you know what?  I don't think I could honestly live somewhere that DIDN'T have 4 seasons.  There is just something...almost poetic...about going through a cold, snowy winter that makes springtime that much sweeter.  And probably the fact that the sentence I just wrote can be applied to so many other things in life is what makes it all the more fitting.

Happy-almost-springtime to you.  Enjoy the fresh air when, and while, you can.