Cosy

Happy New Year! It always takes me about a week into the new year to realize it is, in fact, a new year, and that something must be done about it (aside from getting used to writing another number in my dates, that is). Greeting “Happy New Year” and all that—I think it’s just to keep me confused.

I disappeared somewhat suddenly at the end of November, overcome with school and feeling. Writing just didn’t seem pleasant then; knitting and going out with friends and finishing the semester Right did. I was still online and chatting almost daily, but my heart certainly wasn’t in my writing.

I suppose Nanowrimo had something to do with that.

Anyway, it’s the new year, there are endless possibilities, good and bad. It’s my birthday month, and my mom said we’ll probably have to celebrate two weekends early, which is this coming weekend. So I’ve been working on my birthday wishlist, and purchasing those things I’d like. My Christmas was great because I got a lot of clothes, which I absolutely needed, but for my birthday I’d like a few more fun things.

After reading Getting through Winter from Hygge House I asked for soy candles to burn in the evenings in my room in Minnesota. Now that I’m in the German house, technically I’m still not allowed to have candles, but no one really cares. I’ve always felt that the heat of candles gives off a cosy glow, and if there’s one thing I really need in Minnesota, it’s cosy.

It is nice to get a break from there, I admit.

In December I made myself a new rule: If I’m feeling cold, I’ll make myself a cup of tea. In reality I didn’t feel that cold that often, but it’s a good way to warm up, drinking a cup of something hot, and something I should remember here, where I don’t need a jacket because if I’m comfortably dressed inside the house it’s enough to go out in.

Anyway, as more and more of my life exists in colder climates I’m trying to catch up by figuring out how to stay cosy… especially on top of mounds and mountains of schoolwork. I’ve been mulling over Becky’s list of things to do to stay cosy. The cat idea is one I employ, willingly or not, while at home with my furball Pepper who doesn’t seem to think of me as a person, just as a lap. I also have a nice blanket I throw over myself when I’m not working on the computer.

See, the problem with staying cosy is that it’s very hard to do while working on your laptop and stressing over schoolwork. But I’ll keep trying.

Writing is a craft that needs to be practiced, and I’m trying to start to get back into it. Hopefully I’ll see more of you in the coming weeks!

Things to do to cozy up for the winter

It’s been getting chilly here in Texas – it snowed last Friday all over the state. Texas tends to be warmer on average than most other states in the US, but when it gets cold here, it’s just as cold as many other places. It’s been in the 30s lately (and it’s been hovering around 0F where Stephanie is in Minnesota!) and the chilly weather is definitely appropriate for wrapping up and getting cozy, especially with all the rain (and snow, I suppose) that’s been falling. I bike to work 3 miles there and back and the weather has been so chilly and wet that I have been craving some warmth lately.

Here is a list of ways to stay cozy!

1. 1. A super cozy winter throw – I’ve been wrapped up in blankets all winter for things like playing games and reading books. I also have a heated blanket that is a life saver! My feet and hands get icy cold really easily, so without a heated blanket it would take forever to get to sleep at night. It’s perfect!
2. 2. Candles – Soy candles, of course! Lighting a candle instantly makes the place feel warmer.
3. 3. Hot chocolate – We’ve been drinking insane amounts of hot chocolate which is probably terrible for us but oh so good.
4. 4. Watching movies at night – I don’t watch a lot of movies in the summer because the weather is warm! there’s so much to see! there’s so much to do! But in the winter time, I tend to want to snuggle with a blanket and watch a good movie from the rental store or watch some PBS.
5. 5. Baking! – Recently I made macarons, which are terrible for you but completely perfect. I recommend you make some immediately for your health and safety. There’s no better way to make the kitchen (or your stomach!) warm than by baking some cookies.
6. 6. Having cats on your lap – Some of you may not be so fortunate as to have two huge balls of cute, but having two cats, there’s always one that’s willing to climb up and take a nap. Cats make great heaters, especially when they’re asleep.
7. 7. Tea or mulled cider – Nothing warmer (except maybe hot chocolate). We’ve been mulling cider and drinking tea like it’s nobody’s business.
8. 8. Get off the computer and get under a blanket – Seriously, office chairs are cold!

How are you staying cozy this winter (or if you live in the Southern hemisphere, how are you staying cool)?

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