Baby, its Cold Outside (and in the house)

This is what our house feels like

   I don't think I knew exactly what I was getting into when I signed the lease on this house.  Wood-burning stove heat?  Hell, I could use some rustic adventure in my life.  Be careful what you hope for.  Sure, I feel tough when I chop wood and put a middle finger up to the Boy Scouts of America when I can get the fire going.  But that means I have to wait in the cold that much longer.  Yeah, winter camping is a blast, but seeing my breath every morning while I'm still under my down comforter. My new tactic is to put my underwear and socks under the covers at night so I don't die of shock in the morning.  I never thought I would be looking towards Minnesota to get away from the cold.  Hell, I'll run into the Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses if it means a little bit of warmth.  Ok, maybe I've gone too far now.  Once I use that magic that we call fire, our house is awesome.  The smell of (safe) fire, a Christmas tree, a little bit of hot toddy, and I am a happy camper.

   An update on Charlie, last week we passed the 10,000 mile mark!  That's about 100,000 miles in car years.  Then to celebrate...I ran into the picnic table in our yard and cracked the wind guard.  And as a way to get back at me, the nut for the mirror fell off and I am now driving illegally again.  So, I have retired Charlie for the day to avoid possible icy roads and animosity.  Plus. Maggie gave me a super sad face before she left the house, so I felt a little guilty.

   My adventures have been rather professional lately.  I took part in the Washington Leaders Corps training last week and despite my immediate reaction to be shy in situations when I don't know anyone...I spoke up quite often.  I learned a lot, even though I have taken a handful of classes and trainings on leadership and coaching types.  An important lesson learned...Maggie and I are polar opposites when it comes to leadership (and general living) styles.  Turns out those cliche sayings are cliche for a reason.  Maybe later I will attach a picture of graph showing our ways.  I say later because Maggie is working on figuring herself out as we speak.  Another important thing to take away from the training.  New friends!!  I was the only person from WRC there so I was able to meet about 30 people from 10 other programs.  It was pretty cool.

   I fear I must end this blog as is.  I promise it has nothing to do with the beverage in front of me.  Probably more to do with food and Zelda.