Winter blues

This week marks the second anniversary of our lives in New York. Two years ago I got on the plane and left my life for the great unknown with a man I hardly knew… And now look at us! 

The most pressing thing on my mind this past week, however, has not been the anniversary, but rather the fact that this is the first (and longest) northern hemisphere winter that I have had to live through – from beginning to end. And I have had enough! On the weekend we had a little break from the monotony of down-filled coats and double sock-wearing with two wonderful days that even had me (gasp!) wearing my Birkenstock sandals – without my summer-standard pedicure. I was just feeling happy about finally seeing the end of winter when, BAM, it hit again on Monday. Rain, ice and that bitchy wind is a combination that I have, after almost five solid months, had enough of. 

For the first time I find myself understanding the northern hemisphere’s penchant for UV lamps and extended international vacations during the winter months. I feel depressed. Caged in and smothered. I need to be outside without being weighed down by gloves, a scarf a hat and heavy coat. I need to have my arms free when I’m out and about on the weekend again! Most importantly, my skin needs to feel the warmth of sun.  

I have never missed Africa more. Roll on spring! Please!