January 2024: Another Long, Dry January
“January is the Monday of months – everyone hates it and it comes too soon after the party.”
-Unknown
I love the start of the year. After some much-needed down time, it’s time to get serious and put into action all of those resolutions you were telling everyone about over the holidays. It feels good to be back in the swing and there is certainly no shortage of excitement that we’re coming back to. An election year, record breaking freezing temperatures, 2 overseas wars, and very short days. What a time to be alive! Hopefully you’ve taken a trip by now or are going to soon. Maybe a nice ski-trip or somewhere with a beach and some sunshine. January is like the Monday of the year. Maybe the least fun month but you’ve got to have it. It’s an introspective time that focuses on work, improvement, and implementing some healthy habits. You’ve got to survive the winter if you want to thrive in the spring!
No Booze, No Problems, Less Fun
“I feel sorry for people that don’t drink, because when they wake up in the morning, that is the best they are going to feel all day-”
― Frank Sinatra
Why torture yourself you might ask? Over the holidays I discovered how to make my own martinis at home. This whole time, I thought you had to go to a bar and spend $20 for a shot of vodka and some olive brine. Nope. Give me a cocktail shaker, some Kettle One, and I’ll show you a magic trick. I made enough of these homemade concoctions to embrace a temporary venture to the other side: Sobriety.
Being a man of tradition, this is my 5th January with a clear head and this year has probably been the smoothest. Sure, I can be a little less patient than usual on Friday evening but come Saturday morning after abstaining, I am rocking. The extra time and energy to be productive is a great way to take on the year. Plus, I’m sleeping like a 14-year-old again, which is nice.
One Way to Look at It
“I pray this winter be gentle and kind–a season of rest from the wheel of the mind.”
— John Geddes
I’m in a hurry to get to spring and bask in the sunshine but need to remind myself to try and enjoy every season. Yearning only makes the heart grow fonder. A nice fire, a bowl of chili, and a cold Heineken Zero in a frosted glass. Ok, is it February yet?