There's Just Something About Spring

One thing I have discovered about living in Winnipeg is when spring comes, everything seems better. The fresh air and sunshine just seems to make it easier to handle the bumps that life inevitably throws your way.

I've been rather busy, but its ok. I've been tired, but its ok.

It seems to me that most people's outlook just improves as the weather improves. It may be the realization that the school year is coming to an end. It may be that all the activities you started in the fall are going to take a break. That break often comes with relief. It's not that you don't like to do it, you just want a change for a while.

It may be that long lazy days at the lake are on the horizon, or maybe its as simple as you can go outside without 10 layers of clothes on.

I'm sure its different for everyone but I'm also sure that everyone looks forward to spring, and it's here in Winnipeg.

I Think Spring May Be On It's Way To Winnipeg

It's still sub zero temperatures in Winnipeg, but as the days get longer and the sun is gets higher in the sky the prospect of spring is coming. You can feel the warmth of the sun. When the heat from the great glowing orb in the sky is unimpeded to earth, snow melts. These are the very early signs of spring.

I like spring. It has often been referred to as an awakening. In Winnipeg it definitely is. We are on the cusp of returning to a habitable climate.

I live in Winnipeg because my job is in Winnipeg. That is usually an important reason to live where you live. However there are times, especially in the winter, I want to pack up and go away, never to return.

Winnipeg winters are brutal. Cold, dark, and dry. The air is dry, we are allowed to buy and drink booze, which is needed to get through some of our winters. It goes pretty good up until Christmas. Once we celebrate the new year, everyone goes into hibernation mode. However, there are signs that we are awakening from our winter nap.

There are some upsides to a Winnipeg winter. There are people who really like winter, they revel in it. They go ice fishing and snowmobiling. They ski and snowboard. I am not one of those people.

There are going to be a few more wintery days. I'm ok with that but I am really looking forward to the first day I do not have to wear a jacket. That day feels like victory. It feels like you have beat old man winter.

It may still be sub zero today but I will relish in the moment when spring arrives.

It's Times Like These

As I was driving home from the gym today I noticed that everyone around me was enjoying the amazing weather Winnipeg was blessed with today. It was about 20 degrees Celsius and very light winds with a few clouds in the sky.

Nearly everyone driving had their windows down, sunroof open ad music playing. There were lots of people jogging, cycling, walking and rollerblading. One guy nearly twisted his head off when two girls rode past him on their bicycles. I don't blame him. It was clear that they took care of themselves. There were lots of motorcycles on the road.

Winnipeg has come out of its winter coma. The city has energy. I can feel a pulse and the return of life.

Problems seem manageable. Almost everyone around me has renewed optimism. This is a great feeling as we have risen from the frozen depths of winter to once again live life.

I think Dave Grohl said it best. "It's times like these we learn to live again."