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.

The Snowiest City in the World

The snow has come to Sapporo, leaving it a wintry wonderland.

However, sometimes it's an icy deathtrap.  That's ice, y'all, and it's slippery.  I haven't slipped yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Winter is also the time for White Illumination in Odori Park.  We braved the cold on Friday night to eat German food in the German Market and take pictures of the lights.  But when we couldn't feel our toes, we decided to head indoors.  

Some snowflakes have even found their way into our apartment!
Stay warm, everyone!!

Surviving Winter

Last week, I battled a case of the winter blues, which left me feeling about as depleted as the snowmen above.  Here in Sapporo, we're smack dab in the middle of winter, and the snow and cold isn't going anywhere soon.  So I tried to think of some winter survival strategies that I thought I'd share here.

*Drink Tea

There's something so calming about brewing and drinking a cup of tea.  My tea of choice for the winter is ginger.  Not only is it really healthy for you, but it's spicy taste is so perfect for a cold morning or evening.  

*Get Out And Do Something!

I know, I know.  When it's below freezing and treacherously icy outside, the last thing you want to do is get out of your pajamas and go do something.  But winter is not the time to become a hermit, you'll go crazy.  Obviously there skiing and snowboarding around here, but maybe you're not the sporty type or don't have access to the slopes.  Then go to the movies (not on your computer!), sing karaoke with a group of friends, go to the local art museum.  Or bring people to you - plan a dinner party or a potluck. 

*Invest In Good Winter Gear

Maybe it's just me, but I think that when you look good, you feel good.  And you shouldn't have to feel frumpy in the winter.  I bought some new Wellies this year that I love wearing each day.  Pair that with my giant scarf and trapper hat, and I'm good to go.  Let your outerwear express who you are.  

*Exercise


This one is a difficult one for me, as I've never really stuck with an exercise regimen.  In New Jersey I used to jog, but it's just too cold for me to do that here.  So I've started going to dance classes with a friend and am doing some strength training at home.  As much as I hate to admit it, exercise really does lift your mood, and I'll be ready for tank tops and swimsuits come summer time!

*Read a Good Book

If you have to stay in, why not ditch the computer and cozy up in bed with a good book (wow, that really sounded like a promo for Reading Rainbow, anybody remember that show?)  I'll admit, I'm the first to grab the laptop and spend hours surfing the web when I'm bored.  And then this little (huge) book called 1Q84 came into my life.  During winter vacation, it was habit for me to lay in bed, read 1Q84, and drink hot chocolate.  It doesn't have to be something as lofty as Murakami.  How about a reread of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo?

So let's try to enjoy the winter season, shall we?  Before we know it,  summer will be here and we'll be complaining about the heat!