November is one of my favorite months. Why wouldn’t it be? My birthday is in November!
But even better than a birthday, Thanksgiving is in November. More often than not when someone is asked “What is your favorite holiday?” it seems that the answer is Thankgiving. And again, why wouldn’t it be?
Thanksgiving is the one day of the year devoted to conscious appreciation of the gifts and blessings we’ve each been given, family time and togetherness, and eating good, old-fashioned hearty fare. Thanksgiving requires no costumes, no cards, no gifts, no outdoor lights and no flags. Thanksgiving is simple, yet wonderful. (And it doesn’t hurt that the big ski mountains in Colorado often open just in time for us to ski off the turkey calories…or are they from pie?)
So, as is my custom, here is my “to-do” list for November. Maybe it will inspire you to get your skis out and hit the slopes on an opening weekend, or to pick up a good, wintery read to enjoy on the long nights after daylight savings comes to an end. But whatever you do in November, enjoy!
TO DO:
Tune Your Skis. Its time. Ski season is upon us, so you can either pull out the waxing table and edging tools yourself or take your boards to a local ski shop. While I don’t mind waxing my own skis mid-season, I am all about a professional tune to get them ready for my opening day. But get your skis in early. Everybody is thinking just like you are!
Pack That Bag. I know, I keep writing about gear. Where to get it, how to fit it, but in November the gear discussion is all about how to pack it. You want your gear in a bag, your spouse’s gear in another bag and each kid’s gear in their own bag. Why? So you, as their mom (or dad) can’t be blamed when something gets left behind. Responsibility can be learned early. If they can ski, they can drag their bag to the car (you still may have to pack it, but soon they can do that themselves too).
Celebrate a Birthday. Last year, we were so busy with kid activities my birthday got delayed. This year it is on a Saturday so I am expecting everyone’s full time and attention (just kidding, family). But no matter when I celebrate, one of the joys of motherhood is how excited my children are for my birthday. It makes all the hassles, whining and sibling bickering worth it to have my son look at me and sincerely ask “Mom, what do you want for your birthday?” I know he would give me the world if he could. (And Happy Birthday to you, too, my fellow Scorpios!)
Start Holiday Shopping and Wrapping. While I think most of us like to give gifts and to receive gifts, I am not sure that fighting crowds in order to find the perfect gift for a loved one really puts anyone in the holiday spirit. Why not start early and finish early? Your holiday cheer will be that much greater if you spend your December weekends playing in the powder while the rest of the world is at the mall.
Get the Upper Hand on the Sugar Season. Starting with Halloween and ending with Easter, sugar season lasts all winter. Couch potatoes beware! But since we are skiers (and maybe snowboarders?), this is actually a super-active season for us. All that Halloween candy fits nicely into ski coat pockets for a quick energy fix, while the Brave Ski Mom pre-season workouts can help you burn off the excess when you’re at home. Need a refresher? Check out my posts of 9/14, 9/15, and 9/16/2010.
Pick Up a Good Book. The clocks roll back in the wee hours of Sunday, November 7. No one likes the dark nights, but they are good for watching movies with the family and reading together or separately. While my oldest son’s tastes tend to run toward Powder or Freeskier, I just got Double Black, the first Ski Diva mystery, from the library. I’ll be giving away an advance copy of the second Ski Diva mystery Fade To White in December. Stay tuned!
Give Thanks. We are each blessed in myriad large and small ways. Start counting your blessings and it will blow you away. Hug your family tight on Thanksgiving Day.
Ski. ’nuff said. Enjoy!
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KL, Thanks for the reminder to get those skis tuned! Invariably I remember to do this only after the first day or two of skiing when gear isn’t working!! Great to see you the other day! Can’t wait to hear details of the Ski Diva contest!! CG
Hi CG, yes, get your skis tuned! It is time. Looking forward to lots of snowy Thursdays with you. And yes, the giveaway(s) are coming up. I will give away an advance copy of the second Ski Diva mystery (“Fade to White” by Wendy Clinch) in early December (I think…maybe earlier, you never know!). And, I am working on a couple of other giveaways….good, fun stuff! Thanks!
Best list yet – especially packing ski pants – I have many pairs as I tend to forget mine! Thanks for reminding me to be thankful!!