It’s January in Minnesota and it’s cold. Really cold. School is closed. Again. We’re supposed to turn the thermostat down to conserve natural resources (really?). Well, the glass can either be half full or half empty, folks. Here is my attempt at the half full point of view.
On the Bright Side: 15 Positive Things About the Polar Vortex
- Pinot Noir pairs quite nicely with any/every crock pot recipe out there. Trust me on this, I’ve tried it.
- Can Southerners justify Baileys in their morning coffee on a Tuesday? Well, maybe. But not as easily as we can.
- Relaxed parenting standards. No one will question you for not setting up play dates, kids can stay in pajamas all day since they aren’t going anywhere, there is no homework and you can throw boiling water off the deck in the name of science. Also, see above.
- This winter will give our kids some good stories to tell their kids when they are parents. “Remember that winter we made up snow days into July and it was so cold and lakes didn’t thaw until June?… Now that was a cold winter.” Wait… What?
- You know that last 5-10 pounds you have to lose? Fuhgeddaboudit. No one will notice under your snow pants and down jacket anyway. One word: insulation.
- We will certainly not have to deal with belligerent drunks over-running our town as a spring break destination.
- Not even germs can survive in this weather. If you feel a cold coming on step outside and breathe deep. Cured. (Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this is likely not sound medical advice. It does, however, sound like something my grandma would have recommended and she did live into her nineties.)
- Not a mosquito or tick in sight. Added bonus: no pollen or mold so no allergies either.
- A common bond. Nothing unites people more than a common adversary. We are all in this together, people. Plus, it gives us all something to talk about.
- All the snow covers up the dog poop in the yard.
- Ego check. Being slapped in the face by Mother Nature is one way to keep it real and remind us that we are at the mercy of a higher power. Damn you, Mother Nature. Enough, I say.
- It can be a good reminder to slow down and enjoy our time with family. The world will continue on without schedules, appointments and agendas (and education, apparently).
- Bad hair day = wool hat. No questions asked.
- It could be worse. They could cancel hockey practice, too.
- A strong fortitude. If we can survive January in the Midwest, we can take on anything.