Of course, I am punning from the ever-eighties song, “Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice (Yo baby, let’s kick it). It would be wrong (so very wrong) for me to put together a rap of our surprise day off; rather, I think I’ll just share a few of the highlights and call it a day.

School was canceled for the first time this year due to inclement weather. Overnight, we were hit with a rather substantial ice storm that made the roads treacherous by any standard in any other part of the country. It was nice being one of the first to hear, as they broadcast it over the police/fire radio several minutes before any media source “broke” the cancellation.

That was at 5:02 a.m. 🙂

Much has happened since then. I had the luxury of extending my morning writing time, and then I was able to focus on some new work for the Maryland Writing Project.

Later in the day, when the ice was finally melting from the tree branches and side streets, Amy and I went to our old gym for our first workout of the new year.

What a great feeling to awaken the body, the muscles, the spirit within me. The workout was as invigorating as it was inspiring, and I can’t wait to return tomorrow.

We stopped at the store for some better food choices (no offense, Red Robin, but this relationship’s gotta end). Amy made (as she always does) the best of all meals: Roasted chicken in the Claypot, homemade mashed potatoes, and roasted cauliflower with Trader Joe’s Sesame Soy Ginger Vinegarette dressing. Talk about YUMMMM….. 🙂

Not the most exciting of days, but personally one of the most gratifying of the new year. Hope you had a good one too!