This Month's Delights: January

On the last day of every month, I'll post my highlights of that 28-31 day period. Today, I'm posting about January cause--thank God almighty--it's just about over. I'm not a winter fan, and the quicker the cold months pass us by, the better. 

January is the month of do-overs. It's the time to start diets and pay off last year's debts. It's when we close the chapter on one year and usher in the new one. Here in the northeast, we've begun 2011 fresh, and clean and white. Once this month is good and gone (aka: tomorrow), one of the only things that will truly stand out in my mind about January was how damn snowy it was. 

Growing up in Texas, snow was about as foreign as guys named Vinny who speak with Queens accents. Sometimes I still can't believe I live in a place that truly experiences all four seasons. Or live with someone named Vinny with a Queens accent.

I've learned over the past 11 years that snow is really quite fun. It can bring out the childish spirit in anyone and is the one time it's appropriate for adults to say they're "going out to play".

It can also make an ordinary place look like a storybook cottage. A dust of snow along a roof or a railing instantly gives a house character and charm. Snow is the British accent of the weather world.

It gives women a reason to dress up in their most glamorous coats and scarves.

And little girls an excuse to hold each others' hand.

 It gives your bag of pretzels a renewed sense of purpose.

And allows the city's benches to take a long winter's nap.

In January, little boys have license to throw unlimited snowballs.

And big boys are allowed to slam opponents into plexi-glass walls. 

But if you want to know the real truth of it...January has not been such a great month for me. There have been misunderstandings, and anxieties, and more than one loss that could have been prevented. Into every life a little snow must fall, I guess.

Thank heaven for comfort foods...

like rich, creamy soups...

 copious amounts of coffee...

and warm apple-walnut pie.

So on this last night of January, I'm stopping to reflect on the good and bad of the past 31 days...

and dreaming of a colorful spring.