Cabin Fever

Generally speaking, I hate winter.

I miss the sun, I don't like being cold, I get sick of snow after Christmas, and I hate how dead and gray everything looks between January and late March. I'd always rather be poolside with a boat drink in one hand and Jimmy Buffett on the radio.

I have found the bright side, however. I've discovered that winter acts as a sort of cocoon for me. I'm holed up inside with nowhere to go and nothing to do, so I begin to look for new and interesting ways to occupy my time.

Last year, this cabin fever resulted in my first gym membership. I've stuck with it and still go at least once (preferably twice!) a week.

This year, I bought an 'ukulele.

Yep. An 'ukulele. They're charming, sound adorable, and the size is perfect for me. (I'm a tiny little thing---a full-sized guitar is too much for me to handle!) I found a great starter Uke for $60 on Amazon (a Lanikai LU-21 Soprano, for the curious), and she arrived yesterday.

I've only played with her for a few hours so far, tuning the strings and getting a general feel for her. It's been an interesting thing to learn. I've never owned or played an instrument before, so I'm starting from square one. (Did you know that you're supposed to press the strings BETWEEN the frets and not ON them!? I sure didn't... :P )

Here's hoping I take to and stick to this as much as I did to the gym!