Been away from this space a while but am back.

Snow. We had a major snow storm here in NJ, stating on Sunday morning and finishing on Monday morning. The clean up took a while, of course. I very much appreciated a snow day, and I know my students (and my kids!) did, too.

However.

Having a snow day is fun up until… maybe 11am?.. After that you run out of things to do and the arguing starts. The Y was closed, the skating rink was closed, and the library..

The only two people who braved the elements were: 1. my husband since he had to snow blow and 2. my son because he is six.

Five minutes later:

Theater. On Saturday night, before the snow, I went to see Drum Tao in New Brunswick. As expected, it was phenomenal and otherworldly. No pictures were allowed but I did snap one before the curtain went up.

Whenever I go to see a live show, I am always reminded how special it is to have actual people perform for an actual audience, in real life and in real time.

I mentioned before that I shell out more money for sitting near the stage. Firstly, I am myopic. Secondly and specifically for drums, you need to feel the vibration in your chest. I find it healing. Lastly, the performers make eye contact when you are sitting up close- wink, smile, even give thumbs up. Could be part of the performance but still feels special.

I want to purchase tickets for the following shows but am stalling for a variety of reasons:

Les ballets africains – it’s on a TUESDAY night but tickets are reasonably priced. I’ve been mulling it over since September of last year..

Diana Krall – expensive tickets

Nai-ni Chen dance company, year of the Horse– it’s on February 14th, Valentine’s Day.. My daughter and I saw them perform for the year of the dragon, in February of 2024.

Riverdance– the tickets are…$$$!

Shen Yun – always wanted to see them perform but tickets are very expensive.

But, enough about theater…

Health. I am sick today and took a sick day. Yesterday I had a soar throat and felt very cold at work, but pulled through, ending the day in bed at 6pm with a soar throat, gut cramps, and a terrible headache. I googled it, of course, and it looks like a norovirus. The cramps are not related to pre-menstrual syndrome since I’m in the middle of my cycle.

Also, fatigued with an overall feeling of malaise. But no fever!

Mood. I have not exercised this whole week. I miss it. Even weights. Naturally, because I haven’t exercised and not been feeling well, my mood is low, but nothing terrible. Hoping when the physical health improves, my mental mood lifts as well. I’m just grateful T is not away this week.

A sick day means I got to read a bit more than usual:

On my mind:

At the moment I am thinking about what I need to do to feel better and get back to the Y. I want to do weights and I want to swim some laps.

I also want my stomach cramps to go away.

I want the world to be stop being so crazy.

I want to finish my novel (see above) and start “Heart Wood” that is waiting for me on my digital shelf.

I am thinking about my parents…

Also thinking about what I have to look forward to.

What’s new in your world?

What are you looking forward to?

How is your mental and physical health?