Publisher's Notes
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
Happy March! Spring is almost here, and it’s been a very long cold snap. As I write this column, we are in the middle of an arctic blast. The forecast for the upcoming couple of weeks? Colder!
Last night, my husband, Manny, and I tried to remember the last time it was this cold. It was the winter of 2013 and 2014. That was the year that I finally gave up my silly superstition that if I didn’t wear a winter coat, it wouldn’t get that cold. I had tried this approach to controlling the weather for many years. In some strange way, it seemed to help. Not in January of 2014! That year, Manny did what he does…he bought me an incredibly warm winter coat. That is when I realized how much more comfortable the cold is when you dress for it.
This past weekend, Manny did it again. I was complaining about how cold my feet were in my fashion boots. On Sunday, he said, “I’m going to take you out and buy you a good pair of boots.” Off we went, and I ended up with a pair of boots that are incredibly warm…good to minus 32 degrees. I admit, they are taking a bit of getting used to, but I think I’m going to become a convert for “real boots,” like I am for “real coats.”
I want to take a moment and wish my husband a very happy birthday. Last year, I forgot to mention it in my column…whoops! I put it in my calendar for this year so I wouldn’t forget. On March 8, Manny turns 55…double nickels. Over the years, I have always tried to surprise Manny with a special gift. He’s not easy, though. Manny has an incredible ability to get me to spill the beans about what his gift is before the big day. I am committed to keeping my mouth shut this year!
One of the things that I so appreciate about my husband is his ability to be so “kid-like” when it comes to celebrations and having fun. He helps me set aside work, enjoy our lives, and spend quality time with my kids and our extended family. He is a great example for me to follow! Now, don’t get me wrong…he is the hardest-working man I have ever met, but he has taught me how to take a break, revive my energies, and play when it’s time to play. We laugh a lot together. We are truly best friends.
In March, we will also celebrate the birthdays of my daughter-in-law, Sam, and my son-in-law, Ken. Happy birthday, all!
See you next month! Hopefully, it will be a lot warmer.
Janet Van deWalle,
Founder/
National Publisher
Positive Thought of the Month
"One kind word can warm three winter months."
— Japanese Proverb
