Cabin fever
My scarf feels scratchy and tight even though it hangs loosely around my neck. My coat is over-sized and bulky, yet the cold air still sneaks through to nestle in the nape of my neck, the palm of my hand, the hollow of my back.
My days run in an eternal loop, my level of warmth constantly monitored. It’s too cold in here; why isn’t this warm yet? Is there a draft? Where’s that blanket? Etc., etc.
An offhand conversation about beaches and tropical paradises has me half-seriously looking for job opportunities in Mexico or California. I could become a freelancer, I think, and we’ll find something for Jason. We’ll live near the beach and wake up every morning to sunshine and ocean breezes and seagulls diving for breakfast. And bacon, of course.
I want to stuff my toes into a fresh bed of sand and feel the sun baking my hair. I never want to shovel snow again or knock icicles from the roof where they dangle dangerously, waiting to drop onto my exposed neck for the perfect crime.
We stuff as much fun and relaxation into our too-short weekends as possible, pulling out choice moments to remember during the uncontrollable grind of the workweek like perfect sand dollars saved from vacations.
At night, we huddle on the couch and try to entice Sunny to our fleece-covered laps in order to absorb her extra body heat. She charges directly to Jason, does a few test laps and immediately does an about-face to my lap, where she knows I will cover her with the blanket until she resembles a furry enchilada. She purrs, I knit, Jason reads.
We all wish for spring.
Oh, spring. I can’t let myself daydream about it just yet.
What are you knitting? I am looking for a cute and fairly easy baby blanket pattern. Any suggestions?
Comment by Artemisia — February 13, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
I really miss spring, too. It feels like it wasn’t that long ago that we were all cursing the summer that dragged on forever and complaining about how we had all these nice fall clothes we couldn’t wear. And now I am dying for spring.
Comment by Jess — February 13, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
I like this post a lot.
I’m wishing for spring too. My landlords must be trying to save money on heat because it is COLD in my apartment now and there’s nothing I can do about it.
How many more days of winter?
Comment by Stephanie — February 13, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
I’m not quite ready for spring. I’m not sure I’ve made the best of the winter yet.
Comment by LoriD — February 13, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Could I interest you in TEXAS? NO? Oh fine.
Comment by Tessie — February 13, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Artemisia, I just finished a striped hat for Jason. And what I’m doing for a quick baby blanket is just knitting scarves in a 5X5 basket weave pattern (knit 5, purl 5, repeat, then on next row P5, K5, repeat, etc.). I have 1 scarf left, then I’m just going to seam them all together.
Pics to come soon!
Comment by Shauna — February 13, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Funny that you’re wishing for spring and I miss snow more than I ever imagined. Maybe I’m just never happy and next year when we’re back in the midwest I’ll be whining about how much I miss Florida.
Comment by Shelly — February 13, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
This winter has been the weirdest of my memory. I mean, the snow, it doesn’t end! Then there’s the 20 below weather, followed by 40 degree weather wherein it rains and then freezes and quite frankly I’m shocked I’m not dead.
Hang in there and let’s see some knitting!
Comment by Flibberty — February 13, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
I love this. Very well written.
For me, March 15th signifies spring, even if it’s still cold and snowy and not actually spring. That’s when we get to stop cramming in to our driveway and can start parking in the street again. I figure if I can just last until then, at least things will be a little bit better.
Comment by Saly — February 13, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
Tell it, sista.
I think it’s time for a spring break, don’t you?
Comment by Penny — February 13, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Can’t. Wait. For. Spring. In the winter, I can never get my hands, feet and NOSE warm enough. And no, I DON’T have circulation problems. It’s just fucking COLD.
Comment by JMC — February 13, 2008 @ 10:11 pm
I’m still waiting for a publishing company to discover you! I felt like I was reading a short story in a magazine or a chapter in a book from a famous author! You are so talented!
Don’t shoot me, but I feel this is one of the prettiest winters that we’ve had in a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m counting the days until camping season starts…64! We start in the middle of April~
Comment by Becky — February 14, 2008 @ 7:47 am
I am perpetually researching bar requirements for the U.S. Virgin Islands. And I don’t even live in winter hell. I just love the beach that much.
Comment by slynnro — February 14, 2008 @ 8:30 am
I frequently have that same fantasy, about freelancing while living next to the beach.
I hope it happens for you.
Comment by amber — February 16, 2008 @ 10:34 am