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OPINION

Tuesday morning I woke up and I could see snow coming down outside my window.

I thought to myself, ‘This is a joke right?! It’s ONLY October second, and I just enjoyed a hot and summer-like day over the weekend.’

But no, there was no laughing to be had as I realized it was time to break out my winter coat and scarf.

Now, I’ve told myself to change my attitude this year. This isn’t anything new — we do get snow in Canada every year, and even thought Jon Snow isn’t here to state the obvious, winter is coming!

And so all I can do at this point is remember there are some really amazing parts to winter.

It’s easy to get caught up in the negative because, let’s face it, (and I’m not neuroscientist), but wouldn’t it make sense to be negative in order to protect ourselves? Plus in most cases, it is the path of least resistance, and who doesn’t want to be efficient.

And it is hard to forget all of the difficulties of winter, especially when you have kids.

But it’s also kind of fun to laugh about it.

Warming up the car in the morning is always a neat one, even more so if you live somewhere like I do without a garage, and where the car is at least 50 steps from my front door.

Kids can have a lot to say about the weather in that period of time.

You can recommend putting on a jacket to them time and time again BEFORE leaving the house, but normally I find it is when you are about half way to your car, and everything in your arms is somewhat balanced as you break out in a midway sprint, that’s when you hear the little voice….the one realizing she wants to wear her jacket now.

And then you try to re-jig your armload, and the coffee you have been barely balancing in order to grab that annoying jacket.

Sometimes the coffee doesn’t make it out alive.

Oh, and sometimes there are snowdrifts and keys involved — that’s where things get really interesting.

And then of course there is the whole cabin fever thing.

Yes, we all try to get our kids outside throughout the winter (OK, well not everyone), but MOST of us try — sledding, skiing, roasting marshmallows and freezing chocolate covered bananas in the snow.

But, sometimes it’s just too damn cold.

I for one am a huge wuss.

But then what do you do? Unless you have a mansion where moving to another room is like moving to another street where the scenery and weather changes, life can get a little repetitive.

But there is hope for us all, as winter is really a magical time of year.

I am just going to have to accept there will be trying moments — requests to pee AFTER being suited up, batches and batches of cookies and cookie messes on days when we can’t go out, but I get to watch my kiddos taste that first bite of snow on their tongues, and their cheeks brightly lit with that youthful thirst for life.

And that is why this year I am ready to embrace winter — for now.

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold." - Unknown

— Becky Mann is a 30-something, red haired, mother of two, trying to navigate this life as best she can. She enjoys talking to people and discovering their stories. Still trying to balance her personal and professional life, she juggles work and play. In her spare time Becky can be found visiting with friends, spending time with her family and saving time by reading while walking, She knows there is so much more to come and is looking forward to the continued adventure.

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