The weather forecast for today says intermittent clouds with a high of 57.
I know that isn’t exactly bikini weather, but you know what? This winter, it’s good enough. I don’t totally mind the snow, but I was ready for a reprieve. Rolling out of bed (late), running out the door (early), getting to my morning meeting (on time!), I didn’t have to think about winter wear. I even wore a dress today! That’s right, a dress. This is pretty much my tropical wear. (I wore it with boots. But like, stylishly. Or so I like to think. A coworker informed me that dresses-with-boots is stylish in, like, Maine. I’m so full of springtime sunshine today, I’m ignoring him.)
Of course, with all the springtime, sunshine, and butterflies I’m imagining, I forgot two key points:
- I’m going to be sitting in my window-less cube all day.
- It’s still February.
Point One: I’m going to be sitting in my windowless cube all day.
Totally true story. I work in a building with tons of windows displaying stunning, panoramic views. I’m on a high floor. I can see pretty much the entire city… from my boss’s office. I suppose I could put up pictures in my cube, but I prefer the quiet company of the tan walls that surround me. No need to invent new distractions.
So how am I keeping that spring in my step? I started with the breakfast of champions — a bag of Cadbury Mini-Eggs. (I can’t tell if my mother will be horrified or amused by this statement.) You can only get Mini-Eggs around Easter, which means Spring can’t be far away.
Next up, I left the layering pieces at home. Give or take a cardigan — totally Spring-friendly! — I am unadorned with heavy sweaters, scarves, mittens, gloves, earmuffs, hats, snowboots. In fact, I wore sunglasses today. Because it’s sunny out. Because it’s Springtime.
My only accessory? A bright yellow belt. Yellow means sunshine! Sunshine means Springtime! (The more I repeat this, the more I will believe it. Then maybe Mother Nature will follow suit.) Sitting at my desk, I have a few flashes of color. Like this belt. My computer screen is littered with neon post-it notes. Use highlighters today. Make everything as bright as you can.
When I left home this morning, I took the long way. Everywhere. I had an 8am meeting within 10 minutes of my apartment, but I left home at 7:30. I then walked to work (instead of hopping on the T). For lunch, I’m taking the first opportunity I have to step away from my desk and out into the world. Coffee meetings that could take place in Starbucks can also take place on the Common. Get outside!
After work tonight, I’m taking the long route home, changing into running gear, and doing my first outdoor run in weeks. I’ve already put tomorrow’s Back On My Feet team run on my calendar! Just because it isn’t warm weather in my cube doesn’t mean I can’t experience it during the hours outside of this little tan cell.
Point Two: It’s still February.
Monday’s forecast: snow.
Flashing red, snow instead. You’re killing me, Winter 2011.
So, our hours of warmth and sunshine are numbered. Cherish them. Don’t let these moments slip away from you. And please don’t mock me when I’m back in snowboots on Monday.
