My love of Gretchen Rubin has not waned in 2018. This morning I listened to an "Unplugged" podcast she did recently with her sister Elizabeth and found myself smiling with delight as I chopped sweet potatoes for tonight's dinner. I love so much the fact that both the sisters own who they are, their quirkiness, their fears, and their weaknesses. Their freedom makes me feel more free and more Ginger. 

Inspired by one of Gretchen Rubin's "Happier" podcasts, I made my list of "18 for 2018," which I shared in a recent post. I promised to explain my goals more thoroughly, so here I present the Minute Particulars of the first six goals on my list. Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3.

Winter slows down time. It makes simple things like walking to the garage for a red pepper from the fridge out there not quite so simple. First I have to take off the hoodie I'm wearing to stay warm while I cook so I can fit more easily into my big Chicago coat. I used to have to change shoes as well, but with my new low boots TJ gave me for Christmas, I can transition easily from house to garage and back in the same shoes. That saves a minute.