February wrap-up into March

It’s already March 5th, but I suppose it’s OK to still observe the transition between the months.

February was a low key month. I didn’t travel anywhere. The Eagles won the Super Bowl, so that was a highlight. I ran the Frostbite 5-miler and have been transitioning back into running for races. Not fast. But (knock on wood) my back has been feeling surprisingly good. It’s such a contrast from a year ago, for which I am grateful. Walking around doesn’t usually hurt. Even before my back incident of January 2024, I’d had awful leg pain while walking around, and this is now gone. I also had a lovely “antalgic lean,” especially later in the day, and this now doesn’t happen. Sometimes it’s hard to be aware of the absence of pain but I am trying to remind myself. Don’t take it for granted!

Another February accomplishment: I found a new primary care practice and got my blood work done (apparently my cholesterol is good! I’m sure other metrics aren’t so I’ll at least take that…). I have a physical scheduled, so I’ll give myself a pat on the back for being responsible and doing something I don’t really want to do. I wish adult medical practices gave you prizes out of a prize box.

Because I wasn’t going anywhere it was pretty easy to keep up with my daily rituals. I’m now on Day 64 of Beethoven listening. I’ve enjoyed this project, and learning about him, and thanks to The Complete Beethoven I’m not even needing to construct a calendar as I did with Bach. It almost feels too easy some days! I’m also 64 chapters into Anna Karenina. Some days I find it tedious/melodramatic but then Tolstoy will shift for a few chapters to other characters so I keep going. I continue to write my sonnets at the pace of one a week (I put one at the end of this post).

I ate produce for breakfast every day. In my own kitchen it’s pretty easy to make sure the two eggs + fruit + coffee combo happens. I did at least two strength workouts every week.

March is going to feature a lot more running around. I’m not sure I want to take Anna Karenina with me (it’s big) so I might read ahead or let myself get a few chapters behind and make them up when back. They are short enough that it isn’t a huge lift to do two a day for a while. The sonnet writing happens on my laptop and the Beethoven listening on my phone, so those tend to travel with me.

My non-travel goals include having a close-to-complete edited book draft by the end of the month. Now that my book due date is May 1st this is a little less important but I’d like to mostly polish in April. I am singing in two concerts in the middle of March that I want to feel prepared for. And then on the relationship front, we will know by the end of March exactly what my oldest’s options are for next year. So I anticipate helping him think through that decision. It is all exciting!

Now here’s the sonnet, called “Not yet.”

One day, when we get in, the car is warm —
the sunlight now just bright enough to heat
this enclosed space. I still set my alarm,
but wake to daylight. Walking down the street,

I hear the birds, up by the power lines,
not muffled — I no longer need a hat.
The potholes in their spidery designs
note that the ice is done. For all of that,

I love when things begin. There is a point
when likelihood is reached, and yet there still
are half-held doubts. The rough March winds anoint
the earth with timid hope, the sparrow’s trill

is prelude. With the robin, a duet.
I promise spring is coming! Just not yet.