I’ve been talking about how it feels good to be home and back into our routine, but I also have this nagging feeling of being a little lost and blue. It’s just the season – I think I have this feeling every year. I was in the holiday mode for so long with big things to look forward to and now there is just a big swath of cold gray weather before me. I hate to wish away the winter and start pining away for spring so soon. After all I really do love winter. I kinda want to start a sewing project or get back into knitting but I’ve been procrastinating a couple other important projects.
• Making my bed everyday. I don’t care what you say….getting into a made bed just feels better.
• Having some sort of home baked treat ready for an afternoon snack. Sooo much tastier (and usually healthier) than a store bought one. And in the family I grew up, food is love. And something sweet and hot out of the oven is as much love as one will ever need.
• Opening as many doors and windows as possible. The fresh air does wonders for my mood. (Jora lives in southern California so she is able to do this year round)
• Using cloth napkins…when you’re done, just toss them in with one of your loads of laundry. It’s really no work at all, but it makes a meal fell more, well, civilized.
• Fresh flowers — this goes without saying. I like to put them in unexpected places, like the bathrooms. Whenever my mother-in-law comes to visit, she always finds flowers and other things in the yard to put in vases. I want to do more of this rather than always buying them at the market. (I look forward to having a garden again in the future. I was able to pick so many flowers from our small garden back in Midland. Someday, someday)
• Not saving the special wine (and bath products and food and the like) for “special” occasions. Today is special. Open that bottle that means something to you and enjoy it rather than letting it decorate your shelf.
• Putting the toys away. Everyday. All. Of. Them.
• Candles….they don’t have to be fancy, just plain white tea lights and the plain white ones you can get in the Latino section of your supermarket. (I like having tapers lit for diner. It creates a relaxing mood and in the candle light I can’t see the messy kitchen so much)
• My addition – Looking outside first thing in the morning makes me happy.
Laowai 
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