Snow Cycle

My view waiting at the Ishiyama 2-2 bus stop.

Trudging Along

Source: demonwifex.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

This is how I've felt these days.  Just so worn out and tired.  I'm tired of the cold and snow.  We've had two days of just above freezing temperatures, which has made the layers of snow like a giant sand box. Just walking to the subway station feels like a workout.  But just when you think everything is starting to thaw out, it snows a few more inches.  I can't seem to find the motivation to do anything.  Well, I did go to zumba class today.  And I made candied kumquats.  So I guess that's something.

I'm so worn out, I can't even type long sentences, apparently.

I desperately need sunshine.  And flowers.  And chocolate.  (Chocolate has nothing to do with the weather, but who needs an excuse for chocolate?)  I'm tired of wearing my boots every day and I want to wear cute shoes again.

Come on, Sapporo, it's White Day tomorrow.  Can't you just give me what I want??

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I know, this post seems incredibly self-centered, what with this week being the two year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami.  There are so many people that are still not able to live in their homes, and here I am - in my cozy apartment - complaining.  My friend Sophia wrote a wonderful post about some ways that we all can still help those in the tsunami-stricken areas receive help that they so desperately need.  Please check it out here.

Winter Doldrums

It's March, and that means Spring is coming for most of you.  But not for us in Sapporo, oh no.  For us, winter is long, and the snow that's been accumulating since December won't completely thaw out until April.  Maybe. 

This is now our third winter here, and although I don't really mind the snow most of the time, it's this time of the year that I'm just so tired of winter.  Where the only colors you see in nature are white and blue (and the blue only if it's a nice day out). 

On Saturday, we had some serious wind, and it could've easily been a blizzard if there had been more snow.  I'm talking West Texas wind in Spring kind of stuff.  We hundled in the house, watched movies, and listened to the wind howling outside.  Then I realized we had no food in the house.  So Nathan and I braved the weather and walked to the supermarket, which was the only time I set foot outside for the rest of the day. 

I'm a homebody at heart, and love spending time at home with my boys.  But this cold and snow is starting to get to me.  We can't afford winter sports like skiing, although Ethan and Nathan did go ice fishing yesterday.  Karaoke is my winter sport of choice (okok, so I love karaoke in all seasons), but even that doesn't work to cheer my mood this time of year.  I've started going to zumba classes again, and working out more, in an effort to lift my spirits and get in shape for the inevitable spring when I can wear skirts and dresses without tights. 

Yes, Spring is coming.  Even if it feels like this Winter will never end.