Cozy: Some of us live on the Tundra, while others live where the tumbleweeds roll. Either way, we still have to nest when December rolls around. What keeps you cozy through the wintertime?
I suppose I grew up in a place some might consider tundra-esque. I would call those people wusses as Connecticut is not exactly the same as, say, Oymyakon, Russia, the coldest city in the world, according to a quick google search. That search also provided the following information about the people of Oymyakon from Breathtaking Photos of the Coldest City in the World, by Nicole Bonaccorso, on weather.com: They have to use the bathroom outside because the ground is permanently frozen and therefore underground plumbing is impossible.
They have to use the bathroom…outside. In the coldest city on Earth.
Before you even entertain, for the briefest of moments, that not being a big deal? Let’s take a look at a few pictures from our tropical neighbors to the east from the same article…
I know a few of you, (H&D, I’m looking at you), are still considering it – it’s an adventure, right? Think of all the money you could drop at REI getting ready for this! And by “this,” I mean this:
And here’s the thing. There are actual pictures of people who live here….smiling.
Good on them, right? My smile disappears over a lot of things far less annoying than having to relieve myself outside in sub-zero weather. Like…the breakfast bar at work being out of plantains. Or corned beef hash. Or…GASP…both. I will remember the fine folks of Oymakon, Russia on those days, not to mention every time I avail myself of indoor plumbing, and quickly renew my smile.
So I’m from Connecticut, where my husband wears layers in the summer and marvels (tongue planted firmly in cheek) over the rock walls lining I84. It’s not Oymakon-cold, but it’s colder than my home in Alexandria, VA. Most of the time, the difference is small, but it definitely exists. I learned how to get cozy early in life.
Since this post was supposed to be about how I get cozy, maybe now’s a good time to revisit that. Come with me as I take you on a journey of warmth, comfort, and tranquility.
Stop #1: Nana Blankets
My mom, affectionately referred to by most as “Ginzo,” but by her grandchildren and granddog as, “Nana,” made said grandchildren blankets (though, granddog is still waiting. Patiently.) They are fleece – warm, comfortable, and cozy. Understandably, the rest of us got jealous and immediately demanded she make us all our own “Nana blankets.” And because Ginzo is Ginzo, (fair gift giving is religion), we all got our very own Nana Blankets. They are the BEST way to curl up on the couch or to watch an outdoor event under.
Stop #2: Cuddle
I LOVE to cuddle. I still sit on my dad’s lap. I still hug my mom and when she starts to pull away after a reasonable amount of time (4-6 seconds, duh), I hold tight and say, “I’m not done.” I crave human touch and I am rarely more at ease than when I’m snuggled up next to Mark. This can sometimes be challenging because Mark does not derive comfort from hugs and cuddles and so occasionally I give in and let him sit on the couch…by himself…shudder…
When that happens though, I still have Sam Adams and he might crave touch more than I do – we’re a perfect pair!
Stop # 3: Les Mills Sweatpants
I have a favorite pair of sweatpants. Actually two. They are from Reebok – and I’m not a huge Reebok proponent, but these sweatpants…damn. They are my absolute favorite pants and there is no other pair of pants that make me as happy as these pants do. Buy them. Wear them. You’re welcome.
And there it is: how I get cozy. How about you?
changethetape 