in like a lion.

The beginning of march is never any fun. Tension builds; everyone is testy, tired of cabin fever and relentless chill, ready for the warm sun and long days. The only thing that keeps congenial politeness is the imminence of vacation... and then overnight, everyone turns happy because a break is upon us. Paradoxically packing flip flops and bathing suits while wearing uggs and long johns, we prepare for a much needed change. Overnight, people shed their layers in exchange for a bright cooked-lobster burn as the aura of coconut sunscreen and cucumber aloe follow them for the rest of a week. Some are left behind, grumpy still about the dreary and missing out on a week of warm, but soon enough everyone returns ready to glide out the end of march, friendlier and more calmly.

We grow tired of winter and embrace spring, the days get longer, and we are revived by being awoken by tweeting of birds at 6am when just a few weeks ago we were akin to the north pole. We're waking up from hibernation and making decisions; dating, breaking up and getting engaged. The annual baby boom begins (seriously, April-June), a string of birthday celebrations commence and weddings pop up on calendars like flowers in bloom. We get an isolated warm day (or two...) to bring us outside of our homes and offices, squinting, chubby and pale and our moods lift...and with a barrage of sweet jelly beans and chocolate bunny eggs march is out like a lamb, our moods much softer, friendlier, loving.

...Unless you're in grad school when you're just in the eye of the storm...