Bleh, winter.

I worked most of the years since my kids were born, minus April 2005-June 2007, when I had or was soon to have 2 very young children.  There are a few reasons for that.  First, there was the need for income to supplement the stipend we lived on during Dr. O's grad school years (we had a -14% income tax rate).  Second, there was the need for me to TAKE A SHOWER AND LEAVE THE HOUSE.  I do shower.  I do leave the house.  However, I get into this winter hibernatory mindset in which I bake and cook and do house stuff and put personal care on the back burner.  I put off leaving the house because it's so darn cold outside. 

I could have taken a course this semester. For free.  I waited too long, then couldn't find a time and a course with open seats that matched up properly for me to take a class at Jesuit this semester, and that's okay.  I need to get some things settled for I-M first.  I don't like to ask Dan to take off time and come home so I can go to a class. 

I could have taught a course this semester.   The money wasn't really much, and I didn't want the agita.  That said, I think that having my own small contribution to our income does boost my confidence.  I just don't know if it's worth the extra chaos. 

That said, I feel like I'm totally wimping out.  Kind of spinning my wheels. I feel this way every January and February that I don't spend working or in school.  Apparently, I need a Mack Truck of responsibility and deadlines bearing down on me so that I don't notice the bleak midwinter gloom until it's nearly over.  Then I have a birthday, which does lift the gloom and make me feel like spring is coming. 

The boys are coming home in 15 minutes, thanks to a weather-related early dismissal.  And I haven't showered.