An Eleven Month Year?

I've never really liked the month of February.  In fact, if I had to pick a least favorite month, I think that it would win, hands down.  There are several reasons for this.  First, I'm always so ready to be done with the snow and the cold and slush and the wind chill readings in sub zero temperatures.  I enjoy seasons, all of them, but winter always lasts longer than I'd like.  And this year, with record snow accumulations in West Michigan, I'm definitely ready for spring.  To be able to step outside and, instead of shuddering and burying deeper into my coat, feel the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze.

Also, I'm sure all the caregivers out there will echo my view that it is so much harder to parent during winter.  Especially when you have a child like mine who, when it was slightly warmer last week, toddled gleefully up and down the driveway dozens of times and had to be carried into the house kicking and screaming when it was time to come in.  It's easier to do just about everything in the summer.  Sure, there are the obvious things like taking walks, going to the park, and perhaps even the swimming pool.  But also, you don't have to spend almost ten minutes bundling yourself and your kid up every time you want to go anywhere.  Seriously, sometimes it's easier to just stay home than take that quick trip to the grocery store.  And soon, home can feel a bit like a prison!

Also, Valentine's Day is in February.  Yes, I know that it's only one day.  But, it's often supposed to be the best thing about February. I'm a romantic at heart but starting in high school I never seemed to have someone to spend the day with (one time I almost delayed breaking up a guy I knew I didn't want to be with anymore just so I could be with someone on Valentine's Day).  And now, I have something close to the world's best husband and father.  He's superb in so many ways, but he hasn't ever wanted to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I know it's commercialized and I know he shows me that he loves me every day of the year in so many wonderful little ways.  But still, if there's no big huzzah for Valentine's Day - what's the point of February?  Anyone for March?