by Wendy
The title is sarcastic. January has got to be one of the most frustrating months to face. It begins by taking down the Christmas tree that’s kept us company for several weeks. Losing that warm glow of holiday lights can make the house feel so bare. Going back to work after enjoying time off, getting back on the scale, facing colder temperatures, trying to find a new dentist because of changed insurance plans…January is a rough wake-up call. And then a blizzard messes with your travel plans. I’m all for being positive and focusing on blessings but sometimes, it’s comforting to complain about dumb stuff as you get back into your game. Do you have the January blues? Has any of this happened to you recently? We can wallow for awhile together.

You’re shopping online and find what looks like the perfect parka on sale. Some of the reviews warn that it’s cheaply made, that the stitching falls apart quickly. You decide to go for it. The coat arrives and the stitching looks fine – but there is a seriously giant fake fur hood. Your husband says it reminds him of Paul Simon on an album cover from the 70s. I’m a fan of Paul’s, but no. Give this coat away to someone who likes it or take refuge in the shop’s return policy like it’s a bridge over troubled water.

You spend 30 minutes searching for something to watch on Netflix. You finally find something and then the show keeps buffering – and not moving past 25%. You spend another 15 minutes trying to reboot everything. You start wondering why you’ve wasted nearly an hour instead of just reading a book. Or watching – what did they used to call it? – a DVD.

You’re looking forward to playing CandyCrush during your flight. Before the plane has even taken off, you beat the level prior to a gatekeeper stage. Now that “splendid days!” message pops up and you can’t unlock the next level for three days unless you purchase access.

It’s getting cold out and time to rotate in those winter dresses, skirts, pants. You try to tell yourself they shrunk in the wash but you know they’re really tight because of the Christmas desserts, New Year’s champagne, etc etc etc.

During this season of colds, will you spot a) uncovered sneezes b) uncovered coughing c) fake hand washing in the restroom – that no soap, 2 second water run routine d) clerk wiping runny nose before scanning your groceries, or e) all of the above? You know the answer. Hopefully it builds immunity.

Oh the fun of dealing with health insurance paperwork. You get medical bills for stuff that went down 6 months ago. I know I’m fortunate to have insurance. But trying to make sense of claims and what’s in-network/out-of-network and tally what you’ve spent and keep track of HSA balances can be a real brain teaser. Forget crossword puzzles or sudoku, try sorting this stuff out to keep your mind active and healthy!

A dog walker keeps throwing baggies of the dog’s business in your alley trash can. Which would be fine IF THEY TIED THE BAGGIE CLOSED. I don’t need to paint a picture here.

Snow days aren’t really snow days anymore when you have the equipment to work from home. Snow is pretty but shoveling and worrying about running out of wine your power staying on is not so delightful.

If you are not feeling especially inspired by 2016 yet, you are not alone. I’m still spending a good deal of my time trying to readjust to a proper work schedule and clean up stray Christmas tree needles hidden all over the house. The good news is, it’s only January. It’s early in the year. So let’s try to be kind to ourselves and others. Even when – especially when – we’re feeling annoyed or blue.