Sunshine, Warmth and Hogwarts

I am a southerner at heart.  I had no choice at being born in the north, and had to endure long, cold and white winters.  As a child I didn’t mind, as snow meant FUN!  Snowball fights, snow forts, skiing.  As an adult though, and the older I get, the more and more I hate cold weather.  Living in the south now for over 15 years, my blood has thinned.

My mood, especially after hitting Daylight Savings Time, really dips with winter temperatures and fewer hours of daylight.  This year I am even finding running in the cold weather much less enjoyable than in the past.  I just need more warmth.  Luckily I have something to look forward to.  Even as I turn on the television this morning and see our first winter storm advisory splashed across the screen, my thoughts are more on sunshine and warmth than the potential for a quarter of an inch of ice we are supposed to get this evening and overnight.

Thursday after work we are loading up the old Suburban, and heading south.  Finally a break to the winter, and a much needed getaway after a long and arduous holiday season at work.  Thursday night will put us in northern Georgia before hitting the road again early Friday morning to Orlando.

A four day vacation in Florida is just what I need.  Not having been to Univeral Orlando in over ten years, I am really looking forward to a warm weather holiday.  Staying at Disney, but playing at Universal.  We’ve been to Disney three times in the last seven years, so this will be a nice change up.

With the Walt Disney World Marathon and other races down there this past weekend, the numerous posts I’ve seen regarding the races and everyone’s time in Florida has really gotten me anxious for this break.  Not sure if I will even get out for a run while there, I will surely be visiting Harry Potter and the famous Hogwarts!  Can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to ride some roller coasters!

Here’s to vacations!  Here’s to warmer weather!  Here’s to sunshine and palm trees!